Bayreuth Festival 2018: Lohengrin

In the 2018 “Lohengrin”, director Yuval Sharon co-operates with Neo Rauch and Rosa Loy for décor and costumes. The casts comprises two exciting debuts.

The production „with the rats“ by Hans Neuenfels gained cult status. Now it’s time for a new production of “Lohengrin” at this year’s Bayreuth season. Wagner aficionados all over the world are eagerly awaiting the new work by director Yuval Sharon in co-operation with décor and costumes by Neo Rauch and Rosa Loy.

Neo Rauch ranks among the best-known German contemporary artists. In a recent interview he explained: “I’m working on the re-enchantment of the world.” From this point of view the mythology of “Lohengrin” may be seen as an ideal opera for the artist.

The casts comprises “big names” as well as two most exciting debuts: Anja Harteros as “Elsa” will have her first appearance at the “Grüner Hügel”. For star tenor Roberto Alagna, wo sings the title role, it will be the first encounter with Richard Wagner and the German opera. They will be accompanied by experienced Wagner singers such like Georg Zeppenfeld (King Heinrich) and Tomas Konieczny (Telramund). Waltraud Meier, who made her Bayreuth debut in 1983, will return in the role as Ortrud after 18 years of absence.

The conductor in the legendary pit of the Festspielhaus is Christian Thielemann, who completes his cycle of the 10 Wagner operas which are traditionally played at the Bayreuth Festival: A historical achievement in which he only had one predecessor, Felix Mottl, more than hundred years ago.

This year’s Lohengrin premiere will be an extraordinary event in many aspects. 3sat is will broadcast the performance on Saturday, July 28, at 8:15 pm. Maximilian Maier will be the presenter.

Recording date July 25
Genre Opera
Production year 2018
Conductor Christian Thielemann
Stage Director Yuval Sharon
Sets Neo Rauch & Rosa Loy
Costumes Neo Rauch & Rosa Loy
Distribution TV 3sat
Production Company BR, BF Media, TV Skyline