Parsifal has been described as ‘the greatest work of art ever created in any medium.’
Richard Wagner’s final music drama is unlike anything that went before or has come since. It can feel more like a ritual ceremony than an opera – grand yet intimate, somehow occupying its own space and time. At the heart of Parsifal is a curious, magical treatment of the symphony orchestra that appears to give the voices above it all the space and autonomy they need.
Following award-winning concert performances of Peter Grimes with Stuart Skelton in the title role, the Australian tenor returns to Bergen in the same capacity for this Parsifal under chief conductor Edward Gardner. Joining them is a handpicked cast including Johan Reuter as the wounded Amfortas, Brindley Sherratt as the wise old Gurnemanz and Ricarda Merbeth as the teasing Kundry. Any performance of Parsifal is special. Focusing on Wagner’s miraculous, glowing music alone, this one is sure to prove truly memorable.
DURATION
Wednesday 18 January
1st act (no interval) 1h 50 mins approx
Thursday 19 January
2nd and 3rd acts (1 interval of 30 mins)
Total duration: 3h approx.
Saturday 21 January
Complete performance. Total duration including two intervals: 5h 30 mins approx.
TETT PÅ I FOAJEEN
Wednesday 18 January at 18.45: Introduction by Gunnar Danbolt (in Norwegian)
Torsdag 19. januar kl. 18.45: Introduksjon ved Gunnar Danbolt
Lørdag 21. januar kl. 15.15: Introduksjon ved Erling E. Guldbrandsen
If you’ve never heard the music of Richard Wagner, if you’ve never encountered his dramas, I would urge you, because we’re only on this planet once, to give it a try. I still believe, as firmly as I believe anything, that his work is important and is on the side of the angels. It is, fundamentally, good.
—Stephen Fry