Wagner Opera

Helsinki Tristan und Isolde Helsinki Music Centre, concert hall August 2012: 18 + 21 Conductor: Esa-Pekka Salonen Visual artist: Bill Viola Artistic collaborator: Peter Sellars Tristan: Gary Lehman Isolde: Violeta Urmana König Marke: Matti Salminen Kurwenal: Jukka Rasilainen Also: Waltteri Torikka, Tuomas Katajala, Arttu Kataja Helsinki Festival Homepage See the Wagner Calendar for more Wagner productions 2012

The budget cuts at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen continues to create havoc in the beautiful Danish capital: Now Keith Warner resigns in protest. Keith Warner announced at a staff meeting at the Opera House that he has been granted a release from his contract, which was to expire on 31 July 2014. As a consequence Jakub Hrůša, who has since October 2011 been acting artistic consultant for Keith Warner, has announced that he no longer wishes to assume the position as music director at the Royal Danish Theatre as of the summer of 2013. Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Opera, Keith Warner, states: “It is with immense sadness that I feel I must resign my post at the Royal Danish Opera. A combination of factors, made acute by the recent devastating budget cuts, has led me to feel that in the present circumstances, I am unable to realise my great dreams for the company. We part good friends. The talent of the performing company is beyond compare and the dedication of the

Washington National Opera (WNO) today announced several new initiatives as part of a long-range plan to build on its tradition of artistic excellence, including the Washington premiere of Richard Wagner’s complete “American Ring” cycle and a multipart New American Works Project for young American composers and librettists. Additionally, WNO announced it will add a holiday opera to its season schedule and expand its programming to include performances in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater next season. The Opera has also committed to create at least one new production each season. “Washington National Opera is planning aggressively for our future seasons with a new confidence,” said Michael L. Mael, WNO Executive Director. “These initiatives are part of an even bolder artistic vision that builds on our successes while creating exciting performances for our audience as well as new opportunities for American artists.” WNO will present three complete cycles of Richard Wagner’s epic four