(Credit: Herwig Prammer)

This week, the Salzburg Festival opens a new production of “Ariadne auf Naxos,” one of Strauss’ most popular works and one that showcases a multiple array of voices. For this production rising star Christina Nilsson will make her highly anticipated company debut.

A winner of third prize in Operalia in 2019, Nilsson has become synonymous with the Strauss and Wagner repertoire as well as some Italian works. She has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Oper Frankfurt, Deutsche Oper Berlin, the National Theatre in Prague, Bayreuther Festspiele, Royal Swedish Opera, Theater Dortmund, the Tiroler Festspiele, Bayerische Staatsoper, and Irish National Opera.

Among her signature roles is Ariadne in “Ariadne auf Naxos,” which she has already performed to great acclaim at the Oper Frankfurt, Opéra de Lausanne, and the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. Of her portrayal critics said, “Christina Nilsson is an Ariadne straight out of a picture book: young, desperate, totally on the edge. She sings without wobble, with great breath. This voice shines full, soft and round, it has heroic heights and organ-like depths.”

For those not in Salzburg for the debut, the Swedish soprano’s interpretation will be recorded and broadcast worldwide. Nilsson is also set to return to the Royal Swedish Opera and Oper Frankfurt this season. She also sings “Ariadne auf Naxos” at the Wiener Staatsoper.

Recordings 

Here are some excerpts from Verdi’s “Aida” and Strauss’ “The Fours Last Songs” for those who want to listen to more of Nilsson.