(Credit: Karen Almond) In his book, “A New Philosophy of Opera,” director Yuval Sharon notes that “Tristan und Isolde,” alongside “Pelléas et Mélisande” are not only two of the most difficult operas to stage, but “seem like a losing proposition” for any director to take on. He reflects on how oftentimes, director’s attempt to “find physical form for what the {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced a major cast change for its “Ring Cycle,” revealing that Michael Volle has been forced to withdraw from three upcoming performances due to indisposition. The celebrated German baritone will miss the March 10 performance of “Das Rheingold,” the March 11 staging of “Die Walküre,” and the March 13 presentation of “Siegfried.” In his stead, {…}
Julius Drake and baritone Birger Radde are set to appear at LIFE Victoria on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 8 p.m. The duo will present “Sueño de Wagner” at the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista in Barcelona, a program that explores Wagner’s artistic legacy through works that reflect his impact beyond his own music. The program will include works by Wagner Franz {…}
(Credit: Enrico Nawrath) “They enter into blinding darkness those who worship chaos; into greater darkness still those who delight in shadow.” Upanishad, Verse IX Coming to Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” for the first time must always remain a unique, emotional, musical experience. It is an opera of subtle interpretations, not only regarding the music and dramatic action, but perhaps more {…}
Much ink has been spilled, in varying shades of nostalgia, on the unravelling of the contracts, institutions, and principles that have fostered peace and prosperity since the end of the Second World War. Undoubtedly, much of this concern is justified: in Europe, national borders are once again flexible around the whims of the powerful; Multilateral Organisations have demonstrated their hollowness {…}
The Shanghai Opera House has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of “Tristan und Isolde,” which will launch Bayreuth in Shanghai. Last week, the company announced that soprano Nina Warren will make her house debut as Isolde in the 2022 Bayreuth Festival production, directed by Roland Schwab. Nina replaces Song Qian, a soloist of the Shanghai Opera House, {…}
Grange Park Opera has announced that it will partner with the English National Opera’s Orchestra to present its previously announced “Ring Cycle” in 2026-30. The two organizations are collaborating this season for “Mazeppa” and Grange Park Opera Founder Wasfi Kani CBE remarked his enthusiasm with regards to the partnership. “During this 2025 season, the magnificent orchestra of English National Opera {…}
Conductor and author Michael Downes explains why and how he chose to trace the creation of Wagner’s masterpiece in his upcoming book. It is often said that there are more books about Wagner than any historical figure other than Napoleon or Jesus. This is not actually true, but the myth’s frequent resurfacing indicates that there are already an awful lot {…}
In anticipation of the 150th anniversary in 2026, Pegasus Books is set to release “Wagner and the Creation of the Ring” by Michael Downes on July 1, 2025. In his book, the writer and conductor explores the journey of creating one of the most crucial works of art of all Western culture. “Bringing The Ring to successful completion demanded a {…}
Pegasus Books is set to release “Wagner and the Creation of the Ring” on July 1, 2025. The new book by Michael Downes explores Richard Wagner’s inspirations, influence, and artistic revolution, which culminates in the creation of the famed “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” “In ‘Wagner and the Creation of the Ring,’ Michael Downes combines cultural history and biography to recount the {…}
(Credit Steve Gregson) Regents Opera has added an extra performance of “Götterdämmerung” due to high demand. The company will be showcasing Wagner’s famed tetralogy in early 2025 with one cycle opening on Feb. 9 and running through the 16th and the second starting on Feb. 23 and finishing up on March 2, 2025. The added performance of the climactic opera {…}
