August 2009

Overtures to the Ring

Das Rheingold

Richard Wagner

The prelude to the Ring cycle begins with the swimming Rhinemaidens losing their precious gold to the Nibelung dwarf Alberich. The gods, led by Wotan, in need of treasure to pay off the giants who have built Valhalla, descend into the Nibelung caverns, capture Alberich, and force him to give up the ring. The resulting curse takes effect immediately as blood is shed in an argument over the ring. The opera ends with the gods crossing the rainbow bridge to Valhalla, accompanied by the forlorn calls of the Rhinemaidens and dire predictions about the gods' future. Tickets onsale now.

Overtures to the Ring

Die Walküre

Richard Wagner

Part 2 of the Ring cycle, featuring the unforgettable "Ride Of The Valkyries", is equal parts heady romance and high-stakes family drama. Deep in the forest, love blossoms between the dashing nomad Siegmund and the unhappily married Sieglinde. Believing that this union holds the key to lifting the ring's curse, Wotan instructs his Valkyrie daughter Brünnhilde to defend Siegmund in the ensuing duel. The adulterous pairing draws the ire of Fricka, goddess of marriage, who demands the interloper be killed. Wotan defers to Fricka, but Brünnhilde, moved by Siegmund's overwhelming love, defies the gods and protects him. The duel ends messily, Sieglinde is spirited away to bear a son, and Wotan and Brünnhilde have a fiery father/daughter showdown on a towering cliff. Tickets onsale now.

Ring Symposium I

Seattle Opera Education Department

Come and hear from a variety of leading Wagner scholars and authors as they explore the complexities of the Ring. Speakers for August 11 include: Martin Bernheimer, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York correspondent for the Financial Times of London and Opera magazine; and Agustin Blanco-Bazan, Deputy director of the International Maritime Organization and music correspondent at Bayreuth Festival. The symposium will now be moderated by former Ring production coordinator Clare Burovac rather than General Director Speight Jenkins. In addition to the speakers listed above, the symposium panel will also include Artists Stephanie Blythe and Stephen Wadsworth. Past symposia have been sell-out events, so we highly encourage you to book your tickets early. Admission includes refreshments. Location: Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center Campus.

Das Barbecu

A Contemporary Theater

Wagner’s majestic epic goes through the looking-glass and emerges in the wide open spaces of Texas with five actors playing more than 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed in this irresistible musical comedy from Seattle composer Scott Warrender and lyricist Jim Luigs. Originally commissioned by Seattle Opera and produced by A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle in 1995 to great acclaim, this irreverent and giddy send-up returns to ACT’s new home in downtown Seattle with special performances exclusively for Seattle Opera Ring attendees. Location: ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. Tickets available through ACT Ticket Office at 206.292.7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

Overtures to the Ring

Siegfried

Richard Wagner

Part 3 of the Ring cycle chronicles the heroic coming of age of the naïve yet fearless Siegfried, product of the Siegmund/Sieglinde union. Mime, brother to Alberich, has raised Siegfried ever since he lost his mother at birth, and plans to use the boy to liberate the Nibelung hoard, including the all-powerful ring. A mysterious Wanderer (Wotan in disguise) visits Mime and, after a game of riddles, hints that Siegfried is indeed destined for greatness but also will be Mime's doom. Swords are re-forged, dragons slain, treasures reclaimed, justice dispensed, a forest bird sings, and the power of the gods continues to dwindle as the hero's quest culminates in the discovery and rapturous rescue of Brünnhilde on her rocky ledge. Tickets onsale now.

Laser Ring

Pacific Science Center’s Laser Dome

Join Seattle Opera's BRAVO! Club (the nation's largest organization for opera-goers in their 20's & 30's) for their 5th annual Laser Opera Show, featuring a program of dramatic and lyrical opera arias set to lasers a la Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. This year, in celebration of Seattle Opera's Ring cycle, we are featuring General Director Speight Jenkins' playlist of his favorite Ring music as well as live commentary! Casual attire is encouraged, as are pillows and blankets if you want to get even cozier inside the Laser Dome. We'll have movie theater-style snacks, beer, and wine available for purchase. Bring your friends and family members for this all-ages event! Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; Laser Ring at 6:30 p.m.. Location: Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome, 200 2nd Ave N (on Seattle Center campus in walking distance of McCaw Hall).

Das Barbecu

A Contemporary Theater

Wagner’s majestic epic goes through the looking-glass and emerges in the wide open spaces of Texas with five actors playing more than 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed in this irresistible musical comedy from Seattle composer Scott Warrender and lyricist Jim Luigs. Originally commissioned by Seattle Opera and produced by A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle in 1995 to great acclaim, this irreverent and giddy send-up returns to ACT’s new home in downtown Seattle with special performances exclusively for Seattle Opera Ring attendees. Location: ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. Tickets available through ACT Ticket Office at 206.292.7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

Overtures to the Ring

Götterdämmerung

Richard Wagner

Part 4 of the Ring cycle begins with the three Norns reviewing the thread of destiny and recalling Alberich's curse on the ring. Still smitten, Siegfried gives the ring to Brünnhilde as a token of his love before embarking on further heroic quests. He is soon duped by King Gunther and his half-brother Hagen (son of Alberich) into forgetting his love for Brünnhilde and promising her to Gunther in exchange for his sister's hand in marriage. A shape-shifting Siegfried visits Brünnhilde, forcibly takes the ring, and brings her down from the ledge to a contentious wedding feast where accusations, miscommunications, and traitorous plotting ensue. Just as Hagen's murderous plan is carried out, Siegfried recalls his true love for Brünnnhilde, now fully aware of the truth also. she takes the ring from his finger, orders the construction of a grand funeral pyre, and walks into the flames to be reunited with him in death. The river overflows, the Rhinemaidens recover the ring, Valhalla burns and the kingdom of the gods is destroyed. Brünnhilde's sacrifice has cleansed the ring and restored the natural order. Tickets onsale now.

Overtures to the Ring

Das Rheingold

Richard Wagner

The prelude to the Ring cycle begins with the swimming Rhinemaidens losing their precious gold to the Nibelung dwarf Alberich. The gods, led by Wotan, in need of treasure to pay off the giants who have built Valhalla, descend into the Nibelung caverns, capture Alberich, and force him to give up the ring. The resulting curse takes effect immediately as blood is shed in an argument over the ring. The opera ends with the gods crossing the rainbow bridge to Valhalla, accompanied by the forlorn calls of the Rhinemaidens and dire predictions about the gods' future. Tickets onsale now.

Overtures to the Ring

Die Walküre

Richard Wagner

Part 2 of the Ring cycle, featuring the unforgettable "Ride Of The Valkyries", is equal parts heady romance and high-stakes family drama. Deep in the forest, love blossoms between the dashing nomad Siegmund and the unhappily married Sieglinde. Believing that this union holds the key to lifting the ring's curse, Wotan instructs his Valkyrie daughter Brünnhilde to defend Siegmund in the ensuing duel. The adulterous pairing draws the ire of Fricka, goddess of marriage, who demands the interloper be killed. Wotan defers to Fricka, but Brünnhilde, moved by Siegmund's overwhelming love, defies the gods and protects him. The duel ends messily, Sieglinde is spirited away to bear a son, and Wotan and Brünnhilde have a fiery father/daughter showdown on a towering cliff. Tickets onsale now.

Ring Symposium II

Seattle Opera Education Department

Come and hear from a variety of leading Wagner scholars and authors as they explore the complexities of the Ring. Speakers for August 19 include: Stewart Spencer, British author of several books on Richard Wagner; and William Berger, author of several books on opera and radio producer for the Metropolitan Opera. The symposium will now be moderated by former Ring production coordinator Clare Burovac rather than General Director Speight Jenkins. In addition to the speakers listed above, the symposium panel will also include Artists Greer Grimsley and Maestro Robert Spano. Past symposia have been sell-out events, so we highly encourage you to book your tickets early. Admission includes refreshments. Location: Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center Campus.

Das Barbecu

A Contemporary Theater

Wagner’s majestic epic goes through the looking-glass and emerges in the wide open spaces of Texas with five actors playing more than 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed in this irresistible musical comedy from Seattle composer Scott Warrender and lyricist Jim Luigs. Originally commissioned by Seattle Opera and produced by A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle in 1995 to great acclaim, this irreverent and giddy send-up returns to ACT’s new home in downtown Seattle with special performances exclusively for Seattle Opera Ring attendees. Location: ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. Tickets available through ACT Ticket Office at 206.292.7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

Overtures to the Ring

Siegfried

Richard Wagner

Part 3 of the Ring cycle chronicles the heroic coming of age of the naïve yet fearless Siegfried, product of the Siegmund/Sieglinde union. Mime, brother to Alberich, has raised Siegfried ever since he lost his mother at birth, and plans to use the boy to liberate the Nibelung hoard, including the all-powerful ring. A mysterious Wanderer (Wotan in disguise) visits Mime and, after a game of riddles, hints that Siegfried is indeed destined for greatness but also will be Mime's doom. Swords are re-forged, dragons slain, treasures reclaimed, justice dispensed, a forest bird sings, and the power of the gods continues to dwindle as the hero's quest culminates in the discovery and rapturous rescue of Brünnhilde on her rocky ledge. Tickets onsale now.

Das Barbecu

A Contemporary Theater

Wagner’s majestic epic goes through the looking-glass and emerges in the wide open spaces of Texas with five actors playing more than 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed in this irresistible musical comedy from Seattle composer Scott Warrender and lyricist Jim Luigs. Originally commissioned by Seattle Opera and produced by A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle in 1995 to great acclaim, this irreverent and giddy send-up returns to ACT’s new home in downtown Seattle with special performances exclusively for Seattle Opera Ring attendees. Location: ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. Tickets available through ACT Ticket Office at 206.292.7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

Overtures to the Ring

Götterdämmerung

Richard Wagner

Part 4 of the Ring cycle begins with the three Norns reviewing the thread of destiny and recalling Alberich's curse on the ring. Still smitten, Siegfried gives the ring to Brünnhilde as a token of his love before embarking on further heroic quests. He is soon duped by King Gunther and his half-brother Hagen (son of Alberich) into forgetting his love for Brünnhilde and promising her to Gunther in exchange for his sister's hand in marriage. A shape-shifting Siegfried visits Brünnhilde, forcibly takes the ring, and brings her down from the ledge to a contentious wedding feast where accusations, miscommunications, and traitorous plotting ensue. Just as Hagen's murderous plan is carried out, Siegfried recalls his true love for Brünnnhilde, now fully aware of the truth also. she takes the ring from his finger, orders the construction of a grand funeral pyre, and walks into the flames to be reunited with him in death. The river overflows, the Rhinemaidens recover the ring, Valhalla burns and the kingdom of the gods is destroyed. Brünnhilde's sacrifice has cleansed the ring and restored the natural order. Tickets onsale now.

Overtures to the Ring

Das Rheingold

Richard Wagner

The prelude to the Ring cycle begins with the swimming Rhinemaidens losing their precious gold to the Nibelung dwarf Alberich. The gods, led by Wotan, in need of treasure to pay off the giants who have built Valhalla, descend into the Nibelung caverns, capture Alberich, and force him to give up the ring. The resulting curse takes effect immediately as blood is shed in an argument over the ring. The opera ends with the gods crossing the rainbow bridge to Valhalla, accompanied by the forlorn calls of the Rhinemaidens and dire predictions about the gods' future. Tickets onsale now.

Overtures to the Ring

Die Walküre

Richard Wagner

Part 2 of the Ring cycle, featuring the unforgettable "Ride Of The Valkyries", is equal parts heady romance and high-stakes family drama. Deep in the forest, love blossoms between the dashing nomad Siegmund and the unhappily married Sieglinde. Believing that this union holds the key to lifting the ring's curse, Wotan instructs his Valkyrie daughter Brünnhilde to defend Siegmund in the ensuing duel. The adulterous pairing draws the ire of Fricka, goddess of marriage, who demands the interloper be killed. Wotan defers to Fricka, but Brünnhilde, moved by Siegmund's overwhelming love, defies the gods and protects him. The duel ends messily, Sieglinde is spirited away to bear a son, and Wotan and Brünnhilde have a fiery father/daughter showdown on a towering cliff. Tickets onsale now.

Ring Symposium III

Seattle Opera Education Department

Come and hear from a variety of leading Wagner scholars and authors as they explore the complexities of the Ring. Speakers for August 27 include: Barry Millington, Chief Music Critic for the London Evening Standard, academic consultant for the BBC Music Magazine, and author of Wagner; Philip Kennicott, the architecture and culture critic for the Washington Post and a frequent contributor to Gramophone and Opera News, who is stepping in for Anne Midgette. The symposium will now be moderated by former Ring production coordinator Clare Burovac rather than General Director Speight Jenkins. In addition to the speakers listed above, the symposium panel will also include Artists Gordon Hawkins and Thomas Lynch. Past symposia have been sell-out events, so we highly encourage you to book your tickets early. Admission includes refreshments. Location: Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center Campus.

Das Barbecu

A Contemporary Theater

Wagner’s majestic epic goes through the looking-glass and emerges in the wide open spaces of Texas with five actors playing more than 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed in this irresistible musical comedy from Seattle composer Scott Warrender and lyricist Jim Luigs. Originally commissioned by Seattle Opera and produced by A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle in 1995 to great acclaim, this irreverent and giddy send-up returns to ACT’s new home in downtown Seattle with special performances exclusively for Seattle Opera Ring attendees. Location: ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. Tickets available through ACT Ticket Office at 206.292.7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

Overtures to the Ring

Siegfried

Richard Wagner

Part 3 of the Ring cycle chronicles the heroic coming of age of the naïve yet fearless Siegfried, product of the Siegmund/Sieglinde union. Mime, brother to Alberich, has raised Siegfried ever since he lost his mother at birth, and plans to use the boy to liberate the Nibelung hoard, including the all-powerful ring. A mysterious Wanderer (Wotan in disguise) visits Mime and, after a game of riddles, hints that Siegfried is indeed destined for greatness but also will be Mime's doom. Swords are re-forged, dragons slain, treasures reclaimed, justice dispensed, a forest bird sings, and the power of the gods continues to dwindle as the hero's quest culminates in the discovery and rapturous rescue of Brünnhilde on her rocky ledge. Tickets onsale now.

Das Barbecu

A Contemporary Theater

Wagner’s majestic epic goes through the looking-glass and emerges in the wide open spaces of Texas with five actors playing more than 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed in this irresistible musical comedy from Seattle composer Scott Warrender and lyricist Jim Luigs. Originally commissioned by Seattle Opera and produced by A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle in 1995 to great acclaim, this irreverent and giddy send-up returns to ACT’s new home in downtown Seattle with special performances exclusively for Seattle Opera Ring attendees. Location: ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. Tickets available through ACT Ticket Office at 206.292.7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

Overtures to the Ring

Götterdämmerung

Richard Wagner

Part 4 of the Ring cycle begins with the three Norns reviewing the thread of destiny and recalling Alberich's curse on the ring. Still smitten, Siegfried gives the ring to Brünnhilde as a token of his love before embarking on further heroic quests. He is soon duped by King Gunther and his half-brother Hagen (son of Alberich) into forgetting his love for Brünnhilde and promising her to Gunther in exchange for his sister's hand in marriage. A shape-shifting Siegfried visits Brünnhilde, forcibly takes the ring, and brings her down from the ledge to a contentious wedding feast where accusations, miscommunications, and traitorous plotting ensue. Just as Hagen's murderous plan is carried out, Siegfried recalls his true love for Brünnnhilde, now fully aware of the truth also. she takes the ring from his finger, orders the construction of a grand funeral pyre, and walks into the flames to be reunited with him in death. The river overflows, the Rhinemaidens recover the ring, Valhalla burns and the kingdom of the gods is destroyed. Brünnhilde's sacrifice has cleansed the ring and restored the natural order. Tickets onsale now.