Das Rheingold, Royal Festival Hall

The colossal Ring cycle of Richard Wagner is staged in the opera houses of the world, but that's a huge undertaking, and the size of the orchestra involved can eliminate it from smaller houses. Glyndebourne, for example, despite its founder hoping to stage Wagner there, cannot accommodate an orchestra of this size.

Now that house's former artistic director Vladimir Jurowski is embarking on the Ring cycle at the Royal Festival Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, its four component operas to be staged over successive years, starting with Das Rheingold, for one night only (27 Jan).

Using, as far as possible, the same soloists throughout the project, it will put the Ring within reach of those who might not get to large-scale productions elsewhere, and also has the benefit of focusing the audience completely on the music, without any visual distractions.

The roster, headed by Matthias Goerne as Wotan, includes Michelle DeYoung as Fricka, Lyubov Petrova as Freia, Robert Hayward as Alberich, Allan Clayton as Froh, and Toby Spence as Loge

The Rhine gold of the title lies below the river, while far above, the ruling gods complete their fortress of Valhalla. But the lure of the Rhine treasure is strong: to gain it one must merely renounce love ...

For this Gala event there are many special packages on offer, with chances to attend receptions, a dinner, and to meet the artists.
Generously supported by members of the Orchestra’s Ring Cycle Syndicate and patrons of our Golden Gala Evening.

Das Rheingold is sung in German with English surtitles.

Booking opens 8 Feb 2017. Click here for details of discounts when booking three or more concerts in the London Philharmonic Orchestra's 2017/18 season. Click here for information about special Gala packages.