Tristan und Isolde
The inaugural production of a new opera company – Wide Open Opera. The first Tristan seen in Dublin for 50 years. The first Irish production at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. A collaboration with RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and Dublin Theatre Festival. Opening night streamed live in collaboration with Platform Ireland.
Wide Open Opera
A moment of triumph for Irish soprano Miriam Murphy, as she performed the demanding role of Isolde for the first time. The first Irish soprano in history to perform Wagner’s Irish princess.
Newly created in 2012, Wide Open Opera arrived with a bang. Its first production attracted support from The Arts Council, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and a range of other partners. Tristan und Isolde was given in the Welsh National Opera production by Yannis Kokkos. Two major Irish singers Miriam Murphy and Imelda Drumm led a cast of top level Irish and international artists.
In addition to the live performances in Dublin, the opera was broadcast on RTÉ lyric fm. A radio documentary tracking the making of the production was made by Athena Media, also broadcast on RTÉ lyric fm. The production was webstreamed live by Platform Ireland, reaching and audience in 52 countries internationally. This production generated an outstanding public and critical reaction.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin 30 September, 03, 06 October 2012
Creative Team:
Director & Designer: Yannis Kokkos
Revival Director: Peter Watson
Lighting Design: Guido Levi
Lighting realised by: Paul Woodfield
Cast:
Miriam Murphy (Isolde)
Lars Cleveman (Tristan)
Imelda Drumm (Brangäne)
Brett Polegato (Kurwenal)
Manfred Hemm (König Marke)
Eugene Ginty (Melot)
Owen Gilhooly (Hirt)
Eamonn Mulhall (Seeman)
Gavan Ring (Steuermann)
Chorus of Wide Open Opera
RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Fergus Sheil Conductor
★★★★★
Fergus Sheil conducted as to the manor born, paced the music with sensitive care, secured near-perfect balances between voices and orchestra, and coaxed from the RTÉ NSO some of the finest playing I’ve ever heard from them in the opera pit. A Tristan und Isolde to cherish – The Irish Times★★★★★
Sheil himself conducted the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra superbly, and its resolve was palpable during the ebb and flow of musical emotion, while tension levels were also maintained throughout – The Sunday Business Post
Listen: Prelude to Tristan und Isolde – RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra – Fergus Sheil (conductor)