December 2022 Newsletter - A look back at Das Rheingold, a reminder for Die Walküre and a chance to win a Ring Cycle ticket
Das Rheingold, November 2022
The start of our new Ring Cycle for London has been extraordinarily well received and it was wonderful to see so many of you at the performances in November. Thank you all for your continued support.
Das Rheingold was a fantastic success, see below for just a handful of the reviews:
So as the gods head over the rainbow bridge to Valhalla, it’s now time to think about Die Walküre and the continuation of our Ring Cycle.
Die Walküre: 21, 23, 27 May 2023
Siegfried: 4, 7, 10 February 2024
Full Ring Cycles start on 10th and 24th November 2024
Win a ticket to the entire Ring Cycle!
We’re immensely looking forward to our production of Die Walküre and we hope you are too. In fact, as a little incentive, anyone who buys (or has already bought) a ticket for Die Walküre before 23:59 on 1st January 2023 will be entered into a draw* for a front stalls ticket to the entire Ring Cycle. So, what are you waiting for?
Want your appetite whetting? Die Walküre in a few words…
After the folly of building Valhalla, Alberich’s curse and the Ring making its way onto Fafner’s finger, Wotan has been fathering children with anyone but his wife, Fricka. We meet the resulting siblings Siegmund (Ronald Samm) and Sieglinde (Justine Viani) and Sieglinde’s husband Hunding (Gerrit Paul Groen). Initially not realising who they are in relation to one another, Siegmund attempts to rescue Sieglinde from her loveless marriage.
In Act 2, Wotan (Keel Watson) and his wife Fricka (Ingeborg Børch) argue about the merits and shortcomings of this burgeoning relationship. As the goddess of marriage and fidelity, Fricka is incensed that Wotan would condone a relationship between brother and sister.
Brünnhilde (Catharine Woodward), Wotan’s favourite Valkyrie daughter arrives and is trapped between having to do her father’s commands and allow Siegmund to be killed in the upcoming battle with Hunding, or to do what Wotan clearly actually wants, and protect Siegmund.
Eight of Brünnhilde’s Valkyrie sisters show up, and there follows some of the loudest and most exciting music in all of opera, as they try and protect Brünnhilde from Wotan’s wrath.
And finally, grateful thanks to our sponsors, Big Yellow Storage in Camberley - many thanks for keeping hold of all our stuff!
*Ring Cycle draw terms
This draw applies to all tickets for Die Walküre bought before 23:59 on 1st January 2023. Each ticket bought is equivalent to one entry in the draw. Trustees and company members and their relatives are not eligible.
The draw will be made at random on 2nd January 2023 and the winner notified by email. The winner will be allowed to select their seat for either full cycle and our box office team will work to seat them with friends who have already purchased tickets in the same price category if required.
The prize has no cash alternative and cannot be exchanged for any other goods or services.