(Credit:: Monika Rittershaus)

This week the Bayerische Staatsoper is set to present a new production of Strauss’ “Salome.” The opera is considered one of the most complex and difficult roles in the repertoire and only a great diva can truly master the physical, vocal and acting challenges of the role. For the title role, the Munich company is set to bring Marlis Petersen, who will sing the role for the first time.

Petersen is considered one of the most gifted singing actresses of her generation, which will make Salome a perfect fit for the soprano’s work. Hailed for her “strong dramatic presence” and “agile and bright voice,” the soprano has captivated audiences around the world in many great coloratura, lyric and contemporary roles particularly Lulu, which for many years was her calling card. With Salome, she enters more dramatic territory taking on Strauss’ immense orchestrations and challenging vocal lines. Typically performed by dramatic sopranos, Petersen will join a select few lyric sopranos who have dared to take on the challenge.

For audiences who will not be in Munich, Petersen will repeat “Salome” at the Theater an der Wien during the 2019-20 season and will also take on a residence with the Berlin Philharmonic. She will also perform in a highly anticipated new production of “Die Todt Stadt” alongside Jonas Kaufmann.

Recordings

For those not familiar with Petersen’s voice, the soprano has a number of recordings that viewers can check out. Her recordings of “Lulu” from the Bayerische Staatsoper and Metropolitan Opera showcase her most mature interpretations and her last performances of the role. She is also on an acclaimed DVD of “La Traviata” from Oper Graz and Hayden’s “Orlando Paladino” from the Berlin State Opera.

The soprano also has a recording of “The Merry Widow” from Oper Frankfurt.

Here she is a clip from “Idomeneo…”

…and an excerpt from “La Traviata” recording.