Richard Wagner: Parsifal from Bayreuth Festival

No burkas and no bikinis – long before Bayreuth’s latest Parsifal had opened in Uwe Eric Laufenberg’s new reading, these two phrases had done the rounds.

The emotive content of "No burkas and no bikinis" ensured that the production was hotly debated. Laufenberg shows us everything: the Grail chalice, the dead swan, the wound, the lance. Such realism in the staging, which above all reveals an eye for intricate detail, creates the impression of a new radicalism.

With Klaus Florian Vogt “as a powerfully heroic Parsifal (…), the beautiful gold, silver piercing iron of Elena Pankratova’s voice as Kundry” (…), Georg Zeppenfeld as a slim Gurnemanz providing unparalleled vocal command (…) and Ryan McKinny as a noble and agonised Amfortas.” (The Telegraph)

"Sensitive, visually arresting...excellent cast...radiant sound and striking transparency, this was a sublime and provocative Parsifal." The New York Times

English title Richard Wagner: Parsifal from Bayreuth Festival
Genre Opera
Recording location Bayreuth Festival
Duration 247 mins
Production Company A co-production of BF Medien and NHK in cooperation with TV Skyline, TMT, BR Klassik and 3sat
Composer Richard Wagner
Orchestra / Band Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Conductor Hartmut Haenchen
Choir Bayreuth Festival Choir
Stage Director Uwe Eric Laufenberg
Soloist Klaus Florian Vogt, Georg Zeppenfeld, Elena Pankratova, Ryan McKinny