Wagner’s Opera “The Flying Dutchman” Sails Onto Stage for the Third Time
Beijing Daily reporter Gao Qian
German conductor Marcus Bosh waved his baton, and the powerful and layered music of the National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra came from the depths of the orchestra pit: the strings cascaded like turbulent waves, the French horns melodious like a giant ship approaching, and a ray of beauty shined through the British tubes in the dark storm. Last night, the stage of the National Center for the Performing Arts witnessed a magnificent and allegorical overture as Wagner’s opera “The Flying Dutchman” was performed for the third time.
“The Flying Dutchman” is the first Wagner opera produced by the National Center for the Performing Arts, premiering in 2012. With famous opera director Giancarlo de Monaco at the helm, a magnificent scene was set on stage, depicting a weird fantasy world where the cursed Dutch captain spends his life wandering the sea, only able to land once every seven years. The encounter between the Dutch captain and Shanta, the daughter of the Norwegian captain Dalland, sets the stage for a tragic and gripping tale.
The performance featured two giant ships, the Norwegian ship and the “ghost ship” of the Dutch, creating a visually stunning experience for the audience. The powerful performances by Icelandic singer Olafur Sigurdsson as the Dutchman and Swiss soprano Tiana Lamarre as Shanta, along with the intricate stage design and rocking ship effects, all contributed to a truly immersive experience for the audience.
As the opening drama of the National Center for the Performing Arts Opera Festival 2024, “The Flying Dutchman” will continue its performances until April 14. Another cast, led by Thomas Kazeri, Song Yuanming, Zhang Wenwei, and Guo Zizhao, will take the stage tonight to continue the spellbinding tale of love, fate, and redemption.
Behind the scenes, the creation of such a grand production required meticulous planning and execution. The giant ships, elaborate stage design, and intricate musical compositions all came together to create a true “big drama” that captivated the audience. With the dedication of the cast, crew, and orchestra, “The Flying Dutchman” proved to be a breathtaking masterpiece of Wagnerian opera at the National Center for the Performing Arts.