Tristan und Isolde

King Marke has claimed Isolde, princess of a rival kingdom, as his bride.

To escort her to his castle, he has sent his knight Tristan. But the King is unaware that when Tristan was once grievously wounded in battle, Isolde healed him – and the two fell in love. Nor is the King aware that Tristan and Isolde, thinking they are escaping their predicament by drinking poison, have actually drunk a love potion…

Tristan und Isolde is a searing portrait of agonised, unstoppable, uncontrollable desire that can end only in death. It’s also one of the most influential works of art in history. From its very first notes, Wagner reshaped music for ever. For everyone on the stage, it is a colossus.

Giordano Bellincampi has assembled an extraordinary cast which could grace any great opera house on earth. Manuela Uhl, playing Isolde, was a massive hit for the Auckland Philharmonia’s performance of Die tote Stadt; Simon O’Neill, that musical force of nature, has sung Tristan at the BBC Proms and Glyndebourne; and Katarina Karnéus’ appearances include the Vienna Philharmonic and Covent Garden. This is a performance not to be missed.