Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Season: Six Productions Opera Lovers Can Not Miss
By Francisco SalazarThe Vienna State Opera is presenting over 50 operas next season and that can be overwhelming for any opera lover trying to pick out what they want to see. After analyzing the immense season, OperaWire has selected what we think will be unmissable nights at the Vienna State Opera.
Adriana Lecouvreur
The revival of this famed production marks the second time Anna Netrebko takes on the famed role. Netrebko will make her role debut this summer at the Mariinsky Theater and Vienna audiences will once again get to see the soprano early in her interpretation. Additionally, she will be accompanied by Piotr Beczala. Both stars have been acclaimed for their sizzling chemistry and have triumphed together in “Lohengrin,” “La Bohème,” “Eugene Onegin,” “La Traviata,” “Roméo et Juliette” and “Manon.” Add in David McVicar’s luscious production and you have a hit.
Andrea Chenier
Munich audiences were lucky enough to see Jonas Kaufmann and Ana Harteros in Giordano’s tragic work. However, many fans were left out due to the fact that every single performance was sold out. Now Vienna will give fans another chance to see this dynamic duo in “Andrea Chénier.” Kaufmann, who will also sing the role next season in Barcelona has been hailed as one of the best interpreters of the title role of his time and since his return, he stated that he is cutting back on the number of performances he will be doing overall. This is a performance not to be missed.
Elektra
For over four years Evelyn Herlitzius, Adrianne Pieczonka, and Waltraud Meier have performed this Strauss work in Patrice Chereau’s breathtaking production which has traveled the world. This time the three will be reunited in a different production that promises to sizzle with energy. Herlitzius’ dramatic skills in the role have brought her critical and international attention while Pieczonka created a complex and unique portrait of Chrysothemis. Meier is also one of the greatest dramatic mezzos of her time and only adds to what should be an electric evening.
Der Freischutz
Weber’s work is never really showcased on opera stages. The opera is a gem and one that should be more widely presented. Thankfully Vienna will be presenting a new production and has lined up a stellar cast that could make audiences reappreciate this work. Camilla Nylund stars as Agathe while rising star Daniela Fally stars as Annchen. Andreas Schager stars as Max while legendary bass Alan Held takes on Kasper.
Samson et Dalila
The last time Roberto Alagna and Elina Garanca premiered a new production was in 2010 in Bizet’s “Carmen” and audiences were raving about their chemistry. And there is no doubt that this will the same case in the Saint-Saëns opera, particularly in act two. Both have become acclaimed for their portrayals in the French repertoire and with Carlos Alvarez filling out the main trio of characters, this will likely be the highlight of the new productions.
The Ring Cycle
Whenever Wagner’s Ring Cycle is showcased in any season, it is a must-see. And Vienna has lined up one of the greatest Bründhilde’s, Irene Theorin, to lead the cast. Other singers performing are Christopher Ventris, a formidable Wagnerian, and Michaela Schuster, a singer who has dominated the Wagnerian repertoire over the years. Stephen Gould will also showcase his vocal powers as Siegfried while Tomasz Konieczny, who recently triumphed in “Lohengrin” at the Dresden Opera, will sing Wotan and Die Wanderer.
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