Sony Classical will release a DVD/blu-ray recording of Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, starring Thomas Hampson as the Four Villains. Recorded last autumn at London’s Royal Opera House, Mr. Hampson is joined by Vittorio Grigòlo in the title role, Sonya Yoncheva is Antonia, Kate Lindsey sings Nicklausse, Christine Rice is Giulietta, and Sofia Fomina is Olympia, with Maestro Evelino Pidò leading from the pit. The production by John Schlesinger premiered to enthusiastic reviews in 1980, and is revered for its rich and enduring portrayal of Offenbach’s opera.

Mr. Hampson made his role debut as the Four Villains in 2015, and has since portrayed the roles several times with great critical success. Of this most recent engagement, The Guardian remarked, ” [Mr. Hampson] is fastidious, as always, as the multiple incarnations of his demonic nemesis….with insidious persistence and an unsettling mixture of menace and charm…”

Scheduled to be released on July 7, the DVD/Blu-ray versions are now available for pre-order via the Royal Opera House.