Ticket To The Opera: The Tales Of Hoffmann

Discover the wit, horror and pathos of French composer Jacques Offenbach's opera masterpiece, The Tales of Hoffmann.
Known mostly for his satirical comedies, Offenbach yearned at the end of his life to write a serious work that would endure through the ages. His final opera is based on a memoir by the celebrated German romantic author E.T.A. Hoffmann and tells the fanciful story of Hoffmann's three great loves, one of which turns out to be a mechanical doll.
John Tischio, noted opera lecturer, will discuss the life and times of Hoffmann and Offenbach, as well as the opera itself, followed by video highlights from various productions of the Tales.
Tischio, president of the New England Opera Club, is a retired business executive with a lifelong love of opera. He currently teaches several opera courses and lectures frequently in the Boston area.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
The Metropolitan Opera of New York will be performing The Tales of Hoffmann as part of their Live in HD season this year. Don't miss the chance to experience this opera live on December 19 at 1:00 p.m. at a local movie theater! An encore performance will be broadcast on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Participating theaters on the South Shore include AMC Braintree and Showcase Cinema in Randolph. For information about purchasing tickets, visit the Metropolitan Opera website.
Location: Main Library Community Meeting Room (ground floor)