Der Fliegende Holländer

A prolific composer, theatre director, and conductor, Richard Wagner needs no introduction. His ingenious use of chromaticism and leitmotifs inspired several operatic pieces of the 20th century. Filled to the brim with moving melodies, rich use of chords, and complex orchestration, Der Fliegende Holländer is one of the conductor’s earliest masterpieces. It opened at the Court Opera in Dresden in 1843 and continues to be amongst the most frequently performed operas in the world. This opera effortlessly flits between the ordinary and the supernatural in an effortless manner, creating a unique spectral feel throughout the show.

The 2020 MET rendition is an all-new production by François Girard, the man who set the bar for Wagner stagings at the MET Opera with his wonderful take on Parsifal in 2013.

The Story

Set in the icy waters off the coast of Norway, the Flying Dutchman is an eerie 19th-century tale of tragic love. Here is where a steersman named Daland, who is left in charge of the watch, has his fate tied with the otherworld. He happens to make contact with the captain of a phantom ship. The captain climbs aboard, introduces himself as a Dutchman, and begins to recount the woebegone story of his curse. He tells him how he is doomed to forever sail the seas and is allowed to leave his ship only once every seven years to find a wife. If his wife is faithful to him, then the curse upon him would be lifted. The young steersman is offered gold and riches by the Dutchman, who also asks for Daland’s daughter’s hand in marriage. Find out what happens in this supernatural love-story that keeps you on the edge of your seat with every scene.

Good For

Fans of Wagner’s Operas | History Buffs | Fans of Sir Bryn Terfel

Critics Review

“The momentum was irresistible.” - Observer

“Compelling intensity amid Wagner’s storm.” - The Guardian