A new production of Das Rheingold, from Wagner’s monumental Ring Cycle, will close the Atlanta Opera’s 2022-23 mainstage season, April 29 through May 7.
The Atlanta Opera’s artistic director Tomer Zvulun offers his take on the opera, teaming with scenic and projections designer Erhard Rom and lighting designer Robert Wierzel for the work. This same production premiered at the Dallas Opera in February.
“Tackling any part of Wagner’s Ring Cycle for the first time is a watershed moment for any opera company,” Zvulun said. “Arguably, it is the most complex epic masterpiece in all of opera and it challenges and stretches the whole organization. It takes years to build the competencies, and, more importantly, to find the right team, that will allow us to climb this mountain. I believe that the time to launch this journey has arrived and we are going to bring something truly special to Atlanta and the world.”
This marks Zvulun’s 50th production with the Atlanta Opera, and is celebrating 10 years with the company this year.
The cast is led by bass-baritone Greer Grimsley, making his company debut, as Wotan. He will be joined by mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong as Fricka; veteran Icelandic bass Kristinn Sigmundsson as Fasolt; and Zachary Nelson in his role debut as Alberich.
Das Rheingold will also be filmed by The Atlanta Opera’s Film Studio and available to livestream at atlantaopera.org.
Photo: Das Rheingold at Dallas Opera. (L-R) Joseph Barron, Nicholas Brownlee, Robert-Stahley and Soloman Howard. Photo by Scott Suchman
