Tannhäuser is one of Richard Wagner’s most controversial operas. Its origins were highly complex, as can be seen by the two versions that appeared fifteen years apart: its debut in Dresden in 1845 and its Parisian première in 1861, where it received a chilly reception from the public owing to the disapproval of French intellectual circles at that time. The opera combines two independent Nordic sagas – that of the poet Tannhäuser and of the Minstrels’ contest at the Wartburg. Compared to the more traditional Flying Dutchman it is in this opera that the composer refined his compositive style and dramaturgical skills.
Opera in three acts
Music and libretto by Richard Wagner
Venice Kolbe Children’s Choir Soloists
La Fenice Chorus and Orchestra
Artistic team
Conductor | Omer Meir Wellber
Stage Director | Calixto Bieito
Set Designer | Rebecca Ringst
Costume Designer | Ingo Krügler
Lighting Designer | Michael Bauer
Chorus Master | Claudio Marino Moretti
Cast
Hermann, Landgrave de Thuringe | Pavlo Balakin
Tannhäuser | Paul McNamara
Wolfram von Eschenbach | Christoph Pohl
Walter von der Vogelweide | Cameron Becker
Biterolf | Alessio Cacciamani
Heinrich der Schreiber | Paolo Antognetti
Reinmar von Zweter | Mattia Denti
Elisabeth | Liene Kinča
Vénus | Ausrine Stundyte
Young shepherd | Chiara Cattelan
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