Wagner's opera inspired by the Norwegian coast

Conductor: Sascha Goetzel
Director: John Ramster
Set/Costume: Bridget Kimak
Lighting design: Jake Wiltshire

IN THE ROLES
The Dutchman: Mark Stone
Senta: Johanni Van Oostrum
Daland: Petri Lindroos
Erik: Kjetil Støa
Mary: Siv Oda Hagerupsen
Steward: Jostein Fahre
Chorus: Trondheim Vocal Ensemble, Trondheim Symphonic Opera Chorus
Chorus, Kilden Vocal Ensemble
Choirmaster: Urša Lah
 

Richard Wagner's romantic opera "The Flying Dutchman" from 1841 is based on a legend among sailors. The legend tells of a Dutch captain who was condemned to sail restlessly on a ghost ship on the seven seas, but with the opportunity to be free every seven years if he finds a woman who will love him faithfully until death. The opera was written after Wagner and his wife had to seek refuge in Sandvika in Tvedestrand while on board the schooner "Thetis".

The opera is produced in collaboration between Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera and Kilden in Kristiansand where it will be performed in March.

The plot
Every seven years, the Flying Dutchman, condemned to roam the seas restlessly for having defied God, is cast ashore and can seek redemption. Only the love of a faithful woman, willing to sacrifice her life for him, can free him from the curse. Tempted by his wealth - and unaware of his fate - a Norwegian sailor named Daland agrees to give the Flying Dutchman the hand of his daughter Senta in marriage. Senta is already engaged to Erik, but she is fascinated by the legend of the Flying Dutchman. When her father introduces her to the stranger, she immediately promises to be faithful to the mysterious man forever. However, Erik's bitter argument with Senta causes this new relationship to unravel. Convinced that he has been betrayed, the Flying Dutchman reveals his curse before sailing away on his ghost ship in his eternal search for redemption. Desperately in love, Senta throws herself into the sea, thereby saving the Flying Dutchman's soul.