Der Ring des Nibelungen Das Rheingold
Die Walküre
Siegfried
Götterdämmerung
Welcome Richard Mantle General Director
In 2011 Opera North embarked on an extraordinary journey: to present, for the first time in the Company’s history, all four instalments of Wagner’s Ring cycle in successive years. From the outset, we were determined to lay the emphasis firmly on the power of Wagner’s music and on his engrossing story-telling. Thus the Orchestra of Opera North under the Company’s Music Director Richard Farnes is placed centre-stage in a concert staging devised by Peter Mumford that makes Wagner’s epic narrative compellingly lucid for both experienced Wagnerians and newcomers alike. In 2016 comes the time for Opera North to present the Ring complete during the course of a week, as did Wagner at the first Bayreuth Festival in 1876. The culminative power of the cycle is all the more palpable when experienced in such a concentrated burst, and offers the rare opportunity for total immersion in this unique, all-encompassing music drama. It’s a truly festive moment. We have greatly appreciated the support we have received from all the venues in which we presented the Ring between 2011 and 2014, and especially to Sage Gateshead and Symphony Hall Birmingham, who originally collaborated with us to realise the project. For the complete cycle in 2016 I am delighted that we have entered into a new collaboration with the Southbank Centre in order to bring the Opera North Ring to London for the first time. For the Southbank’s support, and for the support of our colleagues in Leeds, Nottingham, Salford and Gateshead, I am immensely grateful.
Right: Das Rheingold (2011). theringcycle.co.uk
The complete cycles of the Ring in 2016 will be Richard Farnes’ last with Opera North as its Music Director. He is now firmly established as one of today’s leading interpreters of Wagner and there can be no more fitting conclusion to his illustrious twelve-year tenure at the Company than these performances.
Financially supported by the Opera North Future Fund The Ring Fellowship 2016 Ring Circle The Emerald Foundation
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The Opera North Ring Richard Farnes Music Director
When we first started discussing the Ring at Opera North, there were two major priorities that we felt needed to be met. Since the operas were to be performed on the concert platform rather than surrounded by all the accoutrements of the theatrical stage, it was decided to make a virtue of this, visually showcasing the orchestra – the central ‘character’ of the Ring – and bringing to bear the technical skills of a touring opera company by dimming the lights and creating a dramatic space and atmosphere that would give the audience considerably more than a straightforward concert experience. The second priority was clarity of narrative: the Ring may present a multiplicity of interpretative possibilities, but fundamentally there is a seemingly ancient story to be told; and a very powerful one it is, if allowed to speak clearly to the listener. Dispensing with props but using simple costumes to delineate character, and presenting a backdrop of elemental images upon which can be traced not just the sung text but also the development of the story between the scenes, we have endeavoured to achieve a form of presentation approachable and exciting for those experiencing the work for the first time, yet refreshingly direct for those more familiar with it. It strives to be that happy medium between the movie and the original novel upon which it is based: the thrill of an experience shared with many others in a big space that still leaves much to the individual imagination. Added to that, of course, is the electricity generated by a live performance, underpinned and driven by Wagner’s irrepressible music.
Right: Richard Farnes conducting Siegfried (2013). theringcycle.co.uk
Having performed all four parts of the Ring cycle in successive years between 2011 and 2014, we now present the entire cycle within the space of a week – as did Wagner at the first Bayreuth Festival in 1876. This brings an entirely new set of values to the table. Das Rheingold feels much more like the preliminary exposition it really is, clearly setting out the character and domain of the different fiefdoms of the Ring’s protagonists; and Siegfried really can begin to feel like the scherzo of some enormous, cataclysmic symphony. But above all, the ear traces the course of Wagner’s incredibly pliable musical material – even if only subconsciously – from the declaration of motifs representing characters and ideas in Rheingold, their subsequent development, transformation and combination – and the addition of new ideas – as the drama becomes more complex and leads inexorably to the catastrophe and ultimate catharsis (or maybe not!) that is the conclusion to Götterdämmerung. theringcycle.co.uk
The Ring Company Includes:
Richard Farnes Conductor
Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke Loge
Peter Mumford Concert Staging
Giselle Allen Mats Almgren Jeni Bern Susan Bickley Lee Bisset Sarah Castle James Creswell Michael Druiett Andrew Foster-Williams Robert Hayward Kelly Cae Hogan Yvonne Howard Fiona Kimm Mark Le Brocq Alwyn Mellor Béla Perencz Jo Pohlheim Richard Roberts Madeleine Shaw Heather Shipp Mati Turi Kate Valentine Michael Weinius Ceri Williams
Freia; Gerhilde; Gutrune Fafner; Hagen Woglinde; Woodbird Fricka Walküre; Waltraute Götterdämmerung Sieglinde; Third Norn Flosshilde; Siegrune Fasolt; Hunding Wotan Rheingold Donner; Gunther Wotan Walküre Brünnhilde Walküre, Siegfried, Götterdämmerung Fricka; Second Norn Grimgerde; First Norn Froh; Siegmund Sieglinde; Brünnhilde Götterdämmerung Wotan Walküre; Wanderer Alberich Mime Wellgunde; Rossweise Waltraute Walküre, Götterdämmerung; Second Norn Siegfried Ortlinde Siegmund Erda; Schwertleite
and Design Concept
Peter Mumford Lighting and
Joe Austin
Projection Designer Associate Director
For more details and the latest information on casting, visit theringcycle.co.uk
Left: Alwyn Mellor (Brünnhilde), Götterdämmerung (2014).
Das Rheingold The Rhinegold
The Ring begins with music that evokes the very dawn of time. From this moment we are plunged into the watery twilight beneath the river Rhine, transported to misty mountain-tops and to the depths of gloomy Nibelheim, before crossing the rainbow bridge that leads to Valhalla, fortress home of the gods. Set in a world populated by dwarfs and giants, gods and river-maidens, Wagner’s ‘preliminary evening’ to the Ring sets the whole epic cycle in motion in thrilling fashion. ‘Beg, borrow, or be like Wotan and steal a ticket for this show [...] Farnes has done many fine things at Opera North, but his pacing of this 150 minute sweep of music, his care about balance, and the sumptuousness of the orchestral textures - all this constitutes a massive achievement’ Richard Morrison, The Times, 2011 ‘Anyone disappointed that Opera North’s performances of Wagner’s Ring ... would be given in concert, rather than a full staging, will have had their doubts dispelled by the tremendous Rheingold conducted by Richard Farnes, the Company’s Music Director … this is one of the most exciting Rheingolds of my experience …’ Hugh Canning, Sunday Times, 2011
Right: Michael Druiett (Wotan), Das Rheingold (2011).
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Die Walküre The Valkyrie
In Die Walküre, it is human emotion that takes centre stage. The musical highlights are many: ‘Winterstürme’, Siegmund’s hymn of praise to the coming of spring and the awakening of love; the Ride of the Valkyries; the Magic Fire music. Above all, there is the great confrontation between the god Wotan and his favourite daughter, Brünnhilde – the Valkyrie of the title – who love each other deeply, yet whose relationship has been irreparably broken by her disobedience. ‘… Opera North’s performance of Die Walküre is a triumph of scarcely imaginable proportions, one of the most completely successful experiences I have ever had. … The cast, too, is uniformly strong, with Kelly Cae Hogan [Brünnhilde] … giving an account of her role of a calibre that I had given up hope of ever hearing again.’ Michael Tanner, The Spectator, 2012 ‘Sustaining everything was the enlarged Orchestra of Opera North under the assured and inspired direction of Richard Farnes. He and they rightly received an ovation. The second instalment of Opera North’s Ring is a thrilling and moving experience.’ Anthony Arblaster, The Independent, 2012
Right: The Valkyries, Die Walküre (2012).
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Siegfried Wagner’s unparalleled orchestral scene-painting reaches new heights in Siegfried. The youthful hero, fearless and free, forges an unbreakable sword from the shards of the weapon that belonged to his father, slays the dragon Fafner, seizes the ring from the dragon’s hoard, and braves a ring of magic fire that encircles the sleeping maiden, Brünnhilde, whom he awakens to love. ‘I am breathless with admiration for Opera North, punching above its weight in producing a concert performance which any musical organisation in the world would be proud of. The evening’s chief hero is the conductor Richard Farnes, who, like the opera’s protagonist, seems to know no fear. Motivating his excellent orchestra, he trusts the music’s flow, paces it unerringly and never forces or grandstands the climaxes.’ Rupert Christiansen, Daily Telegraph, 2013 ‘Opera North’s so-called “austerity Ring” continues to astonish, nowhere more so perhaps, than with Siegfried … As on previous occasions, the musical s tandards are high. E xciting as always, conductor R ichard Farnes has a m atchless understanding of the relationship b etween speed, detail and span in W agner.’ Tim Ashley, The Guardian, 2013
Right: Mati Turi (Siegfried), Götterdämmerung (2014).
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Götterdämmerung Twilight of the Gods
In the overwhelming conclusion of the cycle, the all-consuming love of Siegfried and Brünnhilde is broken in bitter betrayal; the machinations of Hagen, son of Alberich, seal Siegfried’s doom; and Brünnhilde’s self-sacrifice precipitates the end of the old world order and the beginning of a new era. The musical and dramatic power of Götterdämmerung is awe-inspiring – sweeping us from Siegfried’s Rhine Journey to his Funeral March, and, finally, to Brünnhilde’s immolation and the work’s titanic orchestral climax. ‘Richard Farnes has nurtured his Opera North band, which had never played the Ring before, into a Wagner orchestra to be reckoned with, alert to all the dynamic and expressive details of the score.’ Hugh Canning, Sunday Times, 2014 ‘Enormous credit goes to Peter Mumford for the entire design concept and concert staging. Ineradicable images are created, evocative of Icelandic Edda and Teutonic saga.’ Hilary Finch, The Times, 2014 ‘[Alwyn Mellor] ... is unquestionably in the top flight of Wagnerians anywhere.’ Martin Dreyer, Opera, 2014 Right: Alwyn Mellor (Brünnhilde), Götterdämmerung (2014). theringcycle.co.uk
Be part of something extraordinary...
Join us We are seeking visionary Fellows to support Opera North’s ground-breaking, critically-acclaimed Ring cycle.
The Ring Fellowship 2016 Ring Fellows will journey with the Company as the Ring unfolds, accessing behind the scenes experiences, exclusive opportunities to mix with the stars and guaranteed best seats at the venue of your choice. Join The Ring Fellowship 2016 at a range of levels starting from £167 per month. To find out more go to theringcycle.co.uk/joinus
Ring Circle Everyone who supports Opera North’s Ring plays a vital role in enabling us to produce these ambitious works. Join the Ring Circle to make a valuable contribution and gain access to inside information and offers. Join the Ring Circle with a one-off donation of £50. To find out more go to theringcycle.co.uk/joinus To support the Ring at any level please email jointhering@operanorth.co.uk or telephone 0113 223 3711. Right: Béla Perencz (Wotan) in rehearsal for Die Walküre (2012). Photograph by Tom Arber theringcycle.co.uk
Leeds Town Hall The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD (book through Opera North/Grand Theatre) Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Ticket prices
Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Saturday 23 April 2016 Saturday 30 April 2016 Saturday 14 May 2016 Saturday 21 May 2016
7.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 3.30pm
Tuesday 24 May 2016 Wednesday 25 May 2016 Friday 27 May 2016 Sunday 29 May 2016
7.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 3.30pm
Full cycles: £50, £85, £110, £145, £185, £210, £225 (no booking fee applies) Single tickets: £17 - £60 plus £1.50 booking fee by telephone/online plus optional £1 postage
Cycle 1 / Cycle 2 Booking Dates Join The Ring Fellowship 2016 and secure guaranteed best seats. Find our more at theringcycle.co.uk/joinus Current Season ticket holders and Patrons Postal and online: Tuesday 17 February 2015 Telephone (0113 223 3700) and in person at the Grand Theatre Box office: Tuesday 3 March 2015 From Tuesday 24 March telephone bookings via 0844 848 2720 Associates: Tuesday 24 March Friends/Groups: Friday 27 March 2015 General booking for full cycles: Tuesday 31 March 2015 General booking for single tickets if any remaining: Tuesday 7 July 2015
Information
theringcycle.co.uk for information about online booking, dining/picnic options, accommodation and venue details. theringcycle.co.uk
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Monday 6 June 2016 Tuesday 7 June 2016 Thursday 9 June 2016 Saturday 11 June 2016
Ticket prices
Full cycles: £50, £76, £96, £124, £160, £196 (no booking fee applies) Single tickets: £15 - £55 plus £1.75 per booking online or for phone/in person £2 per booking plus 75p for card payment.
7.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
Full cycle Booking Dates Join The Ring Fellowship 2016 and secure guaranteed best seats. Find our more at theringcycle.co.uk/joinus Current Season ticket holders and Patrons Postal: Tuesday 17 February 2015 Telephone and in person: Tuesday 3 March 2015 Associates: Tuesday 24 March 2015 Friends/Groups: Friday 27 March 2015 General booking for full cycles: Tuesday 31 March 2015 General booking for single tickets: Tuesday 7 July 2015
Booking information
Telephone: 0115 989 5555 trch.co.uk for dining/picnic options, accommodation and venue details. theringcycle.co.uk
The Lowry, Salford Quays Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Monday 13 June 2016 Tuesday 14 June 2016 Thursday 16 June 2016 Saturday 18 June 2016
Ticket prices
Full cycles: £72, £90, £115, £137, £158, £180 (no booking fee applies) Single tickets: £17 - £50 plus £2 per ticket booking fee
7.30pm 4.30pm 4.30pm 3.30pm
Full cycle Booking Dates Join The Ring Fellowship 2016 and secure guaranteed best seats. Find our more at theringcycle.co.uk/joinus Current Season ticket holders and Patrons Postal and online: Tuesday 17 February 2015 Telephone and in person: Tuesday 3 March 2015 Associates: Tuesday 24 March 2015 Friends/Groups: Friday 27 March 2015 General booking for full cycles: Tuesday 31 March 2015 General booking for single tickets if any remaining: Tuesday 7 July 2015
Booking information
Telephone: 0843 208 6010 thelowry.com for online booking information, dining/picnic options, accommodation and venue details. theringcycle.co.uk
Southbank Centre, London
Sage Gateshead
Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Saint Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead NE8 2JR
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Tuesday 28 June 2016 Wednesday 29 June 2016 Friday 1 July 2016 Sunday 3 July 2016
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Tuesday 5 July 2016 Wednesday 6 July 2016 Friday 8 July 2016 Sunday 10 July 2016
Full cycles: £90, £140, £180, £240, £300* Single tickets: £25 - £75* *Transaction fees apply: £1.75 online, £2.75 over the phone. No transaction fees for Southbank Centre Members and Supporters Circles.
Ticket prices
Full cycles: £72, £115, £145, £199 includes £2.50 transaction fee Single tickets: £20 - £55 plus £1.50 per ticket transaction fee
Full cycle Booking Dates
Full cycle Booking Dates
Join The Ring Fellowship 2016 and secure guaranteed best seats. Find our more at theringcycle.co.uk/joinus Southbank Centre Members Subscription only: 26 January 2015 Southbank Centre Members Individual performances: 2 February 2015 General booking: (including subscriptions and individual performances) 16 February 2015
Join The Ring Fellowship 2016 and secure guaranteed best seats. Find our more at theringcycle.co.uk/joinus General booking for full cycles: Thursday 22 January 2015
Booking information
Booking information
7.00pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 3.00pm
Ticket prices*
Telephone: 0844 847 9934* southbankcentre.co.uk/ringcycle* for online booking information, dining/picnic options and accommodation. theringcycle.co.uk
7.30pm 4.30pm 4.30pm 3.30pm
General booking for single tickets if any remaining: July 2015
Telephone: 0191 443 4661 sagegateshead.com for booking information and transport information. theringcycle.co.uk
The Ring Cycle 2016 Performance Diary Leeds Town Hall
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Cycle 1 Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr Sat 14 May Sat 21 May
Mon 6 Jun Tue 7 Jun Thu 9 Jun Sat 11 Jun
Cycle 2 Tue 24 May Wed 25 May Fri 27 May Sun 29 May
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
theringcycle.co.uk
7.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 3.30pm
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Southbank Centre, London 7.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
The Lowry, Salford Quays 7.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 3.30pm
Mon 13 Jun Tue 14 Jun Thu 16 Jun Sat 18 Jun
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
Tue 28 Jun Wed 29 Jun Fri 1 Jul Sun 3 Jul
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
7.00pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 3.00pm
Sage Gateshead 7.30pm 4.30pm 4.30pm 3.30pm
Tue 5 Jul Wed 6 Jul Fri 8 Jul Sun 10 Jul
Das Rheingold Die Walküre Siegfried Götterdämmerung
7.30pm 4.30pm 4.30pm 3.30pm
The information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to print (January 2015). Opera North reserves the right to change cast and performances. Production photography by Clive Barda
Opera North Limited Grand Theatre 46 New Briggate Leeds LS1 6NU UK (Registered Office) Tel +44 (0) 113 243 9999 Fax +44 (0) 113 244 0418 info@operanorth.co.uk Registered Charity No. 511726 Š Opera North 2015
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