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Parsifal

Presented in partnership with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

“…the work ranged from the sublime to the most sublime.” Franz Liszt, after the premiere of Parsifal in 1882

Parsifal was Wagner’s last and many say most accomplished opera, the culmination of the development of the emotional intensity of the German Romantic movement. Containing some of the most ethereal and subtle music Wagner ever composed, Parsifal is an allegory on the conflict between Christianity and paganism, good and evil, physical passion and spiritual purity.

These semi-staged performances feature a superb cast of New Zealanders that brings together two generations of internationally-acclaimed Wagnerian singers. Sir Donald McIntyre, the greatest living exponent of this repertoire, will sing Gurnemanz and Simon O'Neill, who recently understudied Placido Domingo in Wagner's Die Walkure at the Met, will be Parsifal. Margaret Medlyn sings Kundry (a role that won her accolades in Australia), Paul Whelan is Amfortas and Martin Snell, Kingslor. Parsifal will be conducted by Anthony Negus.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Sir Donald McIntyre in a major opera role in New Zealand.

Act 1 - 1hr 50min

Dinner Break - 1hr 10min

Act 2 - 1hr 2min

Interval - 20 min

Act 3 - 1hr 20min

Conductor – Anthony Negus (UK)

Director – Bernd Benthaak

Designer – Tolis Papazoglou

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

Festival Chorus

Orpheus Chamber Choir