The tenor Tomas Dalton sings the role of Nathanaël in Opera Australia’s performance of The Tales of Hoffmann. We chat to him about this production and this French opera.
The last time we spoke was before the performances of Carmen on Cockatoo Island for Opera Australia. For that production, you were part of the chorus. But in the production of the French opera The Tales of Hoffmann you sing the role of Nathanaël. Tell us a little about this role.
Nathanaël is one of Hoffmann’s friends, to whom he tells the eponymous tales. He finds Hoffmann rather strange and, along with Hermann and the chorus, makes fun of him a little. But in fact, he doesn’t really mean him any harm, and defends him when he’s in danger.
Is this a challenging role? If so, what are the challenges?
I wouldn’t say that the role as written is particularly challenging. However, the director has a very energetic take on the story, which is great fun to play and makes it a bit more complex.
What do you appreciate about the role?
Although it’s not a very big role, there are still some great lines for me to sing. But the best part is sharing the stage with some truly exceptional colleagues. It’s a pleasure to work with Damiano Michieletto’s imaginative creative team, and to hear Jessica Pratt sing the four famous heroines is a privilege like no other.
Tell us a little about Offenbach’s opera The Tales of Hoffmann and what audiences can expect from it.
The opera’s story is based on short stories by the 19th-century German writer E.T.A. Hoffman. He presents himself as the tragic hero, disappointed by a lost love in four different fictional scenarios. In our production, audiences can also expect dazzling sets and costumes made right here in Sydney, an original and exciting concept, and of course delightful singing.
What is significant about The Tales of Hoffmann?
I think The Tales of Hoffmann shows us that we can deal with grief and disappointment with our humour and imagination intact. The infectious joy and beauty of much of the music is very cathartic. What’s more, this production shows the best of ‘grand opera’; a thrilling spectacle with technical excellence in every element of the evening, from those on, under and behind the stage.
Opera Australia’s production of The Tales of Hoffmann is a co-production with the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden in London through its workshop in Sydney’s Surry Hills. How does working on this co-production differ from working on Opera Australia’s own productions?
I suppose you feel a responsibility to the people who are going to play the role. We work with the director on the initial execution of the scene, and that shapes to some extent how the others will perform it. The wonderful thing about combining resources with a number of major theatres is of course how extravagant and spectacular the concept is.
Since we spoke last November, you’ve had to replace the lead tenor (Alfredo Germont) in La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House, and you’ve been chosen to play the role in the 2024 summer season. First of all, congratulations. What was it like playing the role of principal tenor?
Thank you very much! It was a wonderful experience. I felt very well prepared and fully supported by the company. The feeling of collegiality was very moving from all my dear friends on stage. Of course, I also felt a huge rush of adrenaline, but I was very happy and relieved that it was a success.
Why should people come and see this production?
It’s such a rare opportunity to hear a soprano who can sing these four roles, and with such mastery. Everyone’s singing in rehearsal has been absolutely fantastic and the production is a real treat.
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We thank Tomas Dalton for this interview.
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
WHAT: The Tales of Hoffmann, a French opera by Offenbach
WHERE: Sydney Opera House
WHEN: 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, and 22 July
HOW: Purchase your tickets via this link
HOW MUCH: Ticket prices start at $49 and go to $370 depending on the date and the seats chosen.
For other events with links to France and the Francophonie, see our What to do in July section.
