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THE BASSARIDS Sean Panikkar·Russell Braun ·Nikolai Schukoff Tanja Ariane Baumgartner

Wiener Philharmoniker Conducted by Kent Nagano

Staged by Krzysztof Warlikowski Hans Werner Henze “A completely gripping new production” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung): 52 years after THE BASSARIDS their premiere, Hans Werner Henze’s The Bassarids return, with Kent Nagano at the helm, to the for a rare revival of this modern classic in a highly dramatic Conductor Kent Nagano psychological staging by Krzysztof Warlikowski. Orchestra Wiener Philharmoniker The opera, inspired by ’ tragedy , is as seductive as it is topical: When Chorus Konzertvereinigung Wiener – is he a charlatan? is he a demigod? – bursts into the intact world of ancient Staatsopernchor Thebes, he plunges a city into chaos. In stark contrast to his cousin, King , who Chorus Master Huw Rhys James leads a life marked by purity and asceticism, Dionysus preaches intoxicating excess and Stage Director Krzysztof Warlikowski sensuality. This personified battle between the rational and civilized side and the instinctive, purely sensual side of human nature leads the royal family into disaster. Aware of the story’s political dimension that resonates in present day politics, Krzysztof Warlikowski Dionysus Sean Panikkar brings one of his famed psychological stagings to the Felsenreitschule in Salzburg. In Pentheus Russell Braun the gigantic three-part set of Małgorzata Szczęśniak the captivating tale unfolds like Willard White a film using split-screen techniques. With “an ensemble that without exception has an / Calliope Nikolai Schukoff outstanding cast”, the musical realization is “simply sublime” (Der Standard). The young Captain / Adonis Károly Szemerédy US Sean Panikkar excels with displays of effortless heroic power as Dionysus - “a / Venus Tanja Ariane Baumgartner triumph” (BR Klassik). His opponent Pentheus is excellently sung by Russel Braun with Autonoe / Proserpine Vera-Lotte Böcker carved diction and vocal focus. How Tanja Ariane Baumgartner and Vera-Lotte Bäcker Beroe Anna Maria Dur portray Agave and Autonoe is “an art of singing and playing of the highest order” (Neue Dancer & Choreographer (Solos) Rosalba Torres Guerrero Zürcher Zeitung). Willard White’s Cadmus convinces with his strong personality. The Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor are the “overwhelming protagonists of this Video Director Tiziano Mancini new production” (Süddeutsche Zeitung). Star conductor Kent Nagano, who was close to Henze, includes “The Judgment of Calliope” in the festival Bassarids, a 20-minute section included in the original score, which adds a new dimension to the opera’s presentation of the Dionysian cult. Henze’s score manages a rare balance of experimental and traditional effects. By combining the best of both worlds, the world of the post-World War II avant- garde and the world of the Romantic, it develops an irresistible pulling power. Nagano leads the Wiener Philharmoniker with clarity and precision, ensuring transparency even Length: approx. 165’ with the largest orchestra volume. Cat. no. A 040 50105 “A magical moment“ (BR Klassik) and “a resounding success for the festival” (Die Deutsche Bühne). A production of UNITEL in cooperation with Wiener Philharmoniker and Salzburg Festival All rights reserved · credits not contractual · Different territories · Photos: © SF_Bernd Uhlig · Flyer: mmessner.de Flyer: · Uhlig contractual SF_Bernd Different Photos: © territories · credits not rights · All reserved ·

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