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About the Story...
Here is the magic realm of love - Tannhauser, Act III
Tannhauser is two medieval myths in one. The original Tannhauser is a knight torn between the delights of Venus and their selfless love of a virtuous woman. To this Wagner adds a song contest in which Tannhauser must compete for Elisabeth, his true love and only chance of redemption. Love sex, death and religion come together with a mixture of gothic imagery, extravagant coups de theatre and extraordinary music.
As writhing dancers emerge from a river of light, audiences will experience something of that shock and thrill in this, Elke Neidhardt's interpretation of Wagner's revolutionary masterpiece.
Glenn Winslade sang his first Tannhauser in Wagner's own hometown, Bayreuth, and has since performed the role to great acclaim all over the US and Europe. This, his first Tannhauser in Australia, is keenly anticipated. Daniel Sumegi makes his role debut as Herrmann Landgraf and, in the role of Venus, Bernadette Cullen recreates her glorious portrayal of the goddess of love.
The highly original sets are designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell, who went on from Tannhäuser to create The Ring Cycle in Adelaide. Finally, conducting the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra in Wagner's compelling score is Opera Australia's Music Director, Richard Hickox. |
