Final performances of 'Hoffmann' in Richmond this weekend, see what the critics are saying!

Posted October 16, 2007

Catch the buzz – this may be one of the best productions ever staged at Virginia Opera. This weekend's performances in Richmond will be your last chance to see and hear this phenomenal production!

Manon Strauss Evrard, star soprano of Tales of Hoffmann, graces the cover of the Fall '07 issue of ArtFolio, a major guide to the arts in Hampton Roads produced by Port Folio Weekly

Tenor Dan Snyder in the title role

Turkish bass Burak Bilgili as Dr. Miracle

• Virginia Opera's Devilishly Delicious 'Tales of Hoffmann'
  The Washington Post (Oct. 15, 2007)
  "It has become a safe bet that some of the cleverest, boldest and most engaging opera around will be found at George Mason University's Center for the Arts when Virginia Opera performs there ... 'Tales of Hoffmann' was another case in point...."
  
  "... Manon Strauss Evrard, perfectly named for an opera singer, handled all the roles superbly. By turns sweet, clear, anguished, passionate, cloying and manipulative, she was tremendously impressive as both singer and actress, with the stage presence of a major star...."
  
  "Lillian Groag's staging of the three very different acts was nothing short of brilliant ..."
  
  "As Hoffmann's ever-present nemesis, bass Burak Bilgili exuded menace, sang vibrantly and dramatically ..."
  
  
• Virginia Opera's sparkling 'Hoffmann'
  The Washington Times (Oct. 11, 2007)
  "As Hoffmann, tenor Dan Snyder is the embodiment of the haunted storyteller with a tenuous grip on reality. Sure of himself only when fortified with a bottle, Mr. Snyder's Hoffmann can't make romance click in the "Twilight Zone" of his troubled mind."
  
  
• Superlative Tales
  Port Folio Weekly (Oct. 9, 2007)
  "Virginia Opera, opening its current season September 28 with Jacques Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann, gave the audience a flawless evening of grand entertainment; an evening sizzling with superlative stage direction, first-class ensemble singing, and a company debut that will have folks who missed it kicking themselves in the future. Those who can say they heard Renée Fleming at the Virginia Opera in 1988; those who can say they heard Manon Strauss Evrard in 2007 … those are impressive tales and the stuff of operatic magic."
  
  "Strauss Evrard possesses an instrument which has already been honed to perfection:  Quick, pleasing vibrato; breath-defying phrasing; crystalline coloratura … and a lovely timbre that has not been wrung out and robbed of personality by over-training."
  
  "Skillfully guiding the complicated tale with artistic hands was stage director Lillian Groag, possibly the most adroit story-teller working in opera today."
  
  
• Virginia Opera starts season on a high note
  The Virginia Gazette (Oct. 6, 2007)
  "Tenor Dan Snyder delivers a finely sung and acted love-struck Hoffmann, who just can't seem to win. Hoffmann's sidekick, Nicklausse, is well done by Sonia Gariaeff, as are her other moments as Hoffmann's muse and Antonia's dead mother. As for top-drawer comedy, tenor Dean Anthony wins hands-down in his multiple roles."
  
  "The solo and ensemble sections featuring the principals are richly delivered. In fact, there are moments in the Antonia scene that are downright stirring and chilling. Rounding off this finely told "Tales" is a chorus that delivers the vocal goods. Peter Mark directs the orchestra with spirit and sensitivity, making this a splendid production and a splendid season opener."
  
  
• Season starts strong with "Hoffmann"
  The Virginian-Pilot (Sept. 30, 2007)
  "... the company presented one of its strongest and most polished performances in many a season.... In the title role, tenor Dan Snyder's voice throbbed with passion. "
  
  
• Loessin at Large 
  WHRO-FM (Sept. 29, 2007)
  "Burak Bilgili, a charismatic, highly versatile performer, dominates the stage when he is on, in any one of the four villainous roles he undertakes with complete control and a delightfully scary demeanor."
  
  
• There's more to this story than love
  Daily Press (Sept. 28, 2007)
  "Her doll scene is one of the funniest and scariest roles I've ever seen. Her artisan is played with simplicity and pathos, and her Giulietta couldn't be sexier."
  
  
• Young soprano poised on brink of operatic success
  The Virginian-Pilot (Sept. 27, 2007)
  "... she is one of the youngest women to take on a leading role at Virginia Opera. How did she come so far so fast?"

Feel free to add to the buzz with your own review if you already saw a performance.

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