Language: French
Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Les Contes d'Hoffmann, is a fantastic opera in a prologue, three acts and an epilogue by Jacques Offenbach, inspired by the storyteller E.T. A. Hoffmann. The libretto is an adaptation that Jules Barbier took from the play he wrote in 1851 with Michel Carré. The creation, posthumously, on February 10, 1881 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, was the subject of numerous deletions or additions independent of the composer's will. Today it is one of the most represented French operas in the world.

A tavern in Nuremberg: The Muse appears and reveals to the audience her purpose is to draw Hoffmann's attention, and make him abjure all other loves, so he can be devoted to her: poetry. She takes the appearance of Hoffmann's closest friend, Nicklausse. The prima donna Stella, performing Mozart's Don Giovanni, sends a letter to Hoffmann, requesting a meeting in her dressing room after the performance. The letter and the key to the room are intercepted by Councillor Lindorf ("Dans les rôles d'amoureux langoureux" – In the languid lovers' roles), the first of the opera's incarnations of evil, Hoffmann's nemesis. Lindorf intends to replace Hoffmann at the rendezvous. In the tavern, students wait for Hoffmann. He finally arrives, and entertains them with the legend of Kleinzach the dwarf ("Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" – Once upon a time at the court of Eisenach). Lindorf coaxes Hoffmann into telling the audience about his three great loves.

Director: Jean-Louis Grinda (Director), Jacques Lacombe (Music Conductor)
Cast: Choirs of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Hoffmann: Juan Diego Flórez, The 4 Heroines: Olga Peretyatko, The 4 Devils: Nicolas Courjal, Nicklausse: Sophie Marilley, The 4 Jacks: Rodolphe Briand, Nathanaël: Marc Larcher, Hermann / Schlemil: Yuri Kissin, Luther: Antoine Garcin, Spalanzani: Reinaldo Macias, Crespel: Paata Burchuladze, Antonia's Mother: Christine Solhosse