“Right from the opening f minor chord on through to the closing c major, we are on a roller coaster, driven, guided and controlled by the expert conducting of the company's founder Denes Striny. It is a thrilling performance. All three villains were sung by Metropolitan Opera bass-baritone John Cheek. His portrayals were creatively understated and precisely calibrated for maximum dramatic, visual and emotional effect. He is a true artist. Hoffmann was sung with considerable brio by Matthew Wolff, an engaging performance. Hoffmann's three loves, Olympia (Kathleen Szalay), Giulietta (Yvonne [Bill]), and Antonia (Margaret Jensen), were all more than adequately realized.” Charles Kondek, The Independent |