Under Music Director Carl St.Clair—one of today’s leading Wagner interpreters—Pacific Symphony presents Richard Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” for the first time. These landmark performances (April 10, 13, and 15) mark a historic moment in St.Clair’s farewell season after 35 years of artistic leadership.
The first opera in Wagner’s epic “Ring” Cycle, “Das Rheingold” will be semi-staged with an orchestra, world-class singers, video elements, costumes, and props. Sung in German with English supertitles, the opera’s story—an inspiration for The Lord of the Rings—unfolds in a mythic world of gods, Rhinemaidens, and a stolen ring of immense power.
St.Clair previously conducted the full “Ring” Cycle as general music director of Germany’s National Theatre and Staatskapelle Weimar, earning critical acclaim. Now, Pacific Symphony audiences can experience his interpretation of this monumental work as part of the orchestra’s ongoing “Opera and Vocals” initiative.
A Mythic Journey
Wagner spent 25 years crafting “The Ring”, drawing from Norse mythology and German legend. His revolutionary use of leitmotifs—more than 150 recurring themes—binds music to character and fate. The opera’s gripping tale follows the consequences of greed, betrayal, and ambition, set against a backdrop of feuding gods, magical beings, and epic struggles for power.
Renowned bass-baritone Kyle Albertson leads as Wotan, king of the gods, alongside Nathan Berg as Alberich. Rising soprano Hanna Brammer sings Woglinde, while tenor David Cangelosi reprises his signature role as Mime. The cast also features Alexandra Razskazoff, Krysty Swann, Ronnita Miller, Adam Diegel, and Aleksy Bogdanov.
Tomer Zvulun, general and artistic director of The Atlanta Opera, serves as production designer and director, bringing his experience from previous “Ring” productions in Atlanta and Dallas.
The creative team includes lighting designer Ben Rawson, projection designer Nick Hussong, costume designer Mattie Ullrich, and scenic consultant Steven Kemp.
Costumes were constructed by The Atlanta Opera Costume Studio, Carmel Dundon, The Dallas Opera, and Siam Costumes International Company.
“Das Rheingold” takes place Thursday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. All three performances include a preview talk with KUSC midday host Alan Chapman at 7 p.m. (and at 1 p.m. for the Sunday performance).
This concert is part of the 2024-25 Classical Season and is sponsored by the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation. Tickets are $30-$251. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit pacificsymphony.org.
