Wagner's Ring: Die Walküre

Opera North is joined by an outstanding international cast for the second instalment of their four-year Ring cycle. In Die Walküre the focus shifts from the politics of the gods to human passion. As the epic saga unfolds, we meet the ill-fated children of the gods, discover the magical sword that will forever shape their destiny, and encounter the fearsome Valkyries whose legendary ride has never sounded more exciting than here in its original context.

‘Whichever other Ring cycles you go to, Opera North’s will, I’m sure, offer rich musical and dramatic rewards.’ The Spectator

Less can be more when it comes to Wagner, and Opera North’s “austerity Ring” – now on its second instalment in its second year – continues to enthral and amaze… Richard Farnes’s conducting, meanwhile, is sensational in its sweep, detail and understanding. The Guardian **** review of Die Walküre premiere

All in all, a victorious night… superb playing of the Opera North Orchestra, dynamically conducted by Richard Farnes. The Times **** review of Die Walküre premiere

A dauntingly long evening flies by – the orchestral playing is world class, and Richard Farnes‘s clear-sighted conducting is a marvel. You hear everything you need to, and the singers are rarely overwhelmed. It’s all beautifully paced, with an extended final scene played with touching sweetness, just at the point where you expect the musicians to be falling off their chairs with fatigue. The Arts Desk ***** review of Die Walküre premiere

Click here to read The Telegraph’s ***** review of Die Walküre at Leeds Town Hall.

Click here to read Whats On Stage’s ***** review of Die Walküre at Leeds Town Hall.

3.15pm Pre-concert talk.

Concert performance sung in German with English surtitles. Please note surtitles may not be visible from every seat. Symphony Hall is a large hall and surtitles can be harder to read from the Grand Tier. To be sure of best visibility, book seats in centre stalls, centre circle or centre upper circle or check with box office before booking.

One of a series of Wagner’s greatest operas, performed in the space of 6 months as part of Symphony Hall’s 21st Anniversary Festival.
The Royal Opera: Die Meistersinger – Wednesday 11 January
Tristan und Isolde – Saturday 3 March
Good Friday: Gergiev conducts Parsifal – Friday 6 April