Tarnhelm Opera is a brand new company, formed to bring Das Rheingold by Richard Wagner to venues in the West of England and South Wales in the autumn of 2019.
Das Rheingold is the first of the four operas which make up Wagner’s celebrated Ring Cycle. We believe it is the ideal choice among Wagner’s output to reach out to new audiences, being the shortest of his operas – approximately two-and-a-half hours in length – and yet still having the hallmarks of Wagner’s monumental handiwork. The storyline, rooted in a world of ancient myth, is compelling and moving. It is our expectation that curious newcomers to Wagner will thus enjoy the production alongside existing devotees.
There are few opportunities to experience Wagner’s operas other than in major opera houses and for good reason: The music is conceived on a grand scale and does not easily lend itself to reduced performances. The large size of the orchestras conceived by Wagner, though sumptuous to hear, puts notable upward pressure on ticket prices. The singing is frequently of a high intensity and calls for solo voices of considerable stamina.
In this production we are setting out to bring Wagner’s great music and drama live to audiences in the West of England and South Wales. Further, to do so in an affordable way but without compromising on excellence in performance.
The production is semi-staged, in costume and with an innovative set to support the drama. The work will be performed in German with English surtitles.
The performances make full use of the substantial organ in each of the cathedral and large church venues, supplemented by percussion, giving a remarkably faithful and impressive account of Wagner’s score in magnificent and lofty surroundings.
We invite you to join our excitement for this production and to show your support by joining the mailing list, making a donation or helping in other ways.
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Tarnhelm Opera CIC is a private Community Interest Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales no. 11895566.