The Don Returns for Parsifal

Media release

12 January 2005
The Don Returns for Parsifal

Presented in partnership with the New Zealand International Arts Festival and proudly supported by TVNZ,

"...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 his final major opera role in New Zealand.

Conductor - Anthony Negus (UK)
Director - Bernd Benthaak
Designer - Tolis Papazoglou
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Festival Chorus
Orpheus Chamber Choir
Parsifal - Simon O'Neill
Gurnemanz - Sir Donald McIntyre
Kundry - Margaret Medlyn
Amfortas - Paul Whelan
Klingsor - Martin Snell
Titurel - Grant Dickson
With other soloists

Michael Fowler Centre
17 Mar 2006, 5:00pm
19 Mar 2066, 3:00pm
6 hrs with two intervals
Prices from: $25 - $165
Book at Ticketek 04 384 3840

ENDS

© Scoop Media