“It would be most wonderful if this Tristan never ended.” (Opernmagazin) “Brilliant performances that bring you to your knees” (Sächsische Zeitung) Every piece of the puzzle fell perfectly into place for this historic performance of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde at the Semperoper Dresden. In front of a pared down, timeless staging by Marco Arturo Marelli, the vocal performances could truly shine. Klaus Florian Vogt is “fully present” (Opernmagazin) and Camilla Nylund as Isolde at his side “convinced with her still incredibly lyrical, light soprano” (Sächsische Zeitung). At the zenith of his career, Christian Thielemann manages to set a new standard with his permeation of this difficult score and leads the Staatskapelle Dresden to new heights of artistic expression.
Tristan und Isolde
Semperoper Dresden presents an historic performance of Tristan and Isolde, directed by Marco Arturo Marelli and conducted by world-leading conductor Christian Thielemann. The sound he obtains from the Wagnerian score “fills the room with elegiac longing, drawing listeners into the emotional depths of the famous lovers.” (Opera Online) Klaus Florian Vogt, in his debut as Tristan, is “fully present and convincing with natural phrasing and clear diction” (Opernmagazin), while Camilla Nylund as Isolde “convinced with her still incredibly lyrical, light soprano” (Sächsische Zeitung). At the zenith of his career, Christian Thielemann manages to set a new standard with his permeation of this difficult score and leads the Staatskapelle Dresden to new heights of artistic expression. “It would be most wonderful if this Tristan never ended.” (Opernmagazin). “Brilliant performances that bring you to your knees”. (Sächsische Zeitung)
Lohengrin
The Wiener Staatsoper presents a Wagner classic staged by duo Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito, who showcase Lohengrin as a crime thriller with a twist. At the podium is Christian Thielemann, who more than proves his reputation as the Wagner-expert par excellence. On stage, David Butt Philip as the titular Lohengrin is a “heldentenor with radiance and stamina” (Kleine Zeitung), while Malin Byström portrays an Elsa who might not be as innocent as the libretto suggests and convinces with “dramatic furore” (Der Standard). Anja Kampe sings her Ortrud “beautifully, yet so expressively, with such diction” (Kurier) and Martin Gantner’s Telramund is “flawless in its precision” (News). / “When it comes to Wagner, Christian Thielemann really is in a class of his own” (Der Standard) / “The choirs were a force to be reckoned with, and the orchestra proved its outstanding quality in harmony with the great Wagnerian Thielemann” (Salzburger Nachrichten)
Tannhäuser
Wagner’s grand romantic opera Tannhäuser explores the tension between earthly desire and spiritual purity. Torn between Venus and Elisabeth, Tannhäuser represents the Romantic struggle between indulgence and guilt, with themes of love and redemption that still resonate. Lydia Steier’s production moves through Venus’ world as a variety show, the ordered society of Wartburg Castle, and a contemporary media-driven landscape. Staatsoper debutant Clay Hilley as Tannhäuser is the shining star of this new production: “Even in the most powerful forte, his voice shines so effortlessly that one thinks he still has reserves to draw on. In terms of character, Hilley shows his inner turmoil very clearly, and his stage presence is that of a professional spoken theatre actor” (Bachtrack). Günther Groissböck as Landgrave Hermann and Malin Byström as Elisabeth also deliver “vocal highlights” (Concerti). In the pit, Philippe Jordan allowed “this masterpiece to resound in all ist splendour and beauty” (Der Opernfreund).
Lohengrin
The Salzburg Easter Festival’s production of Lohengrin, directed by Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito, presents Wagner’s classic as a crime thriller in Vienna. Christian Thielemann, acclaimed Wagner expert, conducts the Vienna State Opera orchestra, while David Butt Philip shines as Lohengrin. Malin Byström’s Elsa reveals a less innocent character, and Anja Kampe delivers a powerful Ortrud. Martin Gantner’s Telramund displays precision. The production excels in stage and orchestral synergy, offering nuanced performances and delicate choral singing made possible by Thielemann’s baton. “When it comes to Wagner, Christian Thielemann really is in a class of his own” (Der Standard)