Richard Wagner's operas had a revolutionary influence on the course of Western music. By introducing the concept of the leitmotif (musical theme associated with a character, object, or event) Wagner brought the art form to a new level. Today, leitmotifs are commonly used in film scores, one of the most famous being the music for Darth Vader in Star Wars by John Williams. Der fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman), Wagner's first masterpiece, is based on European maritime legend about a ship's captain condemned to sail forever, seeking redemption through the love of a faithful woman. The opera premiered at the Royal Opera House in Dresden in 1843. In March of last year, the Metropolitan Opera was forced to cancel the remainder of the season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only days before a scheduled transmission of Francois Girard's production of Wagner's Der Fliegende Hollander. Fortunately, as part of regular preparations for an HD broadcast, the preceding performance of the opera was recorded as a camera rehearsal. In this high-definition "scratch taping," conductor Valery Gergiev is on the podium for Wagner's eerie ghost story. Bass-baritone Evgeny Nikitin delivers a commanding performance in the title role, opposite soprano Anja Kampe in her Met debut as Senta. First-come, first-seated, starting one hour before the concert. All guests (aged 12+) are required to provide proof of full vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of the event. All guests (aged 2+) must wear a face covering.
New York City, NY; NYC