Bregenzs Tales of Hoffmann is different from everything you saw before. The New York Times praised the thoughtfulness and creativity of Stefan Herheims new production, devised by the director as a search for ones own self in a sparkling drag show. A shining-toned (NYT) Hoffmann is embodied by tenor Daniel Johansson in the title role. He is supported by a fantastic cast: Rachel Frenkel is positively ideal as Muse and Niklausse (Kurier), Kerstin Avemo as Olympia is endowed with brilliant, cheekily extemporized coloraturas (Neue Zürcher Zeitung), Michael Volle sings the parts of Lindorf, Coppelius, Dr. Miracle and Dappertutto, the works four villains, with warmth and intensity (NYT) and Mandy Fredrich is a finelyphrased Antonia (Kurier).

Live performance from the Salzburg Festival, 6 August 2012.

Condemned to wander between earth and heaven, a peri, daughter of a fallen angel and a mortal, embarks on a long journey to the East to earn her entry into paradise... Insula orchestra, conducted by Laurence Equilbey, and Accentus, led by choir director Albert Horne, bring Robert Schumann's romantic oratorio to life.