Critics Pick

Legend of the Ring

West Edge Opera

Wagner’s epic Der Ring des Nibelungen in the critically-acclaimed one-evening adaptation by David Seaman. A revival of the 2004 production that was lauded as one of the top ten musical events of the year, this production features some of the leading Wagnerian singers of our time. Baritone Richard Paul Fink, long respected for his mastery of Alberich and other Wagnerian roles, sings Wotan for the first time and noted tenor Jay Hunter Morris, hailed for his rich tone and dramatic charisma, sings his first Siegfried. Soprano Marie Plette, acclaimed for appearances from Seattle’s Ring Cycle to Cio Cio San in Madama Butterfly at San Francisco Opera, sings the multiple roles of Woglinde, Freia, Sieglinde, Forest Bird and Gutrune. Soprano Christine Springer reprises her 2004 role of Brünnhilde, Dean Peterson, a regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, sings Hagen. Bojan Knezovic is Alberich, Stephen Rumph is Loge/Mime, and Valentina Osinski is Fricka. The production design and direction are by Berkeley Opera Artistic Director Mark Streshinsky and Music Director Jonathan Khuner conducts. Projections are by Jeremy Knight.

Wagner’s original intention to convey th saga in one opera has been brilliantly realized by David Seaman, who has crafted a one-evening condensation that maintains the richness and drama of Wagner’s iconic masterpiece. Seaman’s condensation was originally made for Pocket Opera Nuremberg, where Die Welt’s review said “The reduction’s dramatic compression brings the characters more sharply into focus....Every bar is original Wagner in seamless juxtaposition...”

Venue: El Cerrito Performing Arts Theater
Date: Sat July 31, 2010 8:00pm
City: El Cerrito
Price Range: $25-$65
Tickets: 1-800-838-3006

Additional Dates:
Wed August 4, 2010 7:30pm
El Cerrito Performing Arts Theater
Fri August 6, 2010 8:00pm
El Cerrito Performing Arts Theater
Sun August 8, 2010 2:00pm
El Cerrito Performing Arts Theater

Buy Tickets