OPERA
Tannhäuser
SCHEDULE
2022/2023 SEASON
Music by Richard WAGNER
Opera in 3 Acts
Sung in German with English and Japanese surtitles
OPERA PALACE
28 Jan - 11 Feb, 2023 ( 5 Performances )
Running time is approx. 4 hours and 5 mins including intervals.
DETAILS
Richard Wagner's glorious opera Tannhäuser is based on two medieval legends; the tale of song contest in Wartburg and the myth of German Minnesänger/knight Tannhäuser.
The story focuses on Tannhäuser's torn between sensual and spiritual love. The score is full of memorable moments such as the exhilarating overture, the seductive ballet music in the scene of Venusberg, the pious harmonies of the Pilgrim's Chorus, and the stirring song contest scene. Besides these gorgeous scenes with orchestra and chorus, beautiful arias are absolute highlights.
This Hans-Peter LEHMANN's production, first staged in 2007/2008 season celebrating NNTT's tenth anniversary, is acclaimed for its sophisticated stage sets that effortlessly transitions between dream world at Venusberg and reality at Wartburg Castle.
Alejo PÉREZ, who is currently serving as the Music Director of the Vlaamse Opera, takes his baton at NNTT for the first time after much of success with notable orchestras in Europe and Japan. In the title role, one of the star heldentenors at our ages Stephen GOULD returns to our stage. Alongside of him, the cast includes Sabina CVILAK, who has sung many dramatic roles over the USA and Europe, as Elisabeth, an attractive Lithuanian mezzo-soprano Eglé ŠIDLAUSKAITÉ as Venus, and a versatile British baritone David STOUT as Wolfram.
[Covid-19] Our Prevention Plan and Request to Our Patrons
The performances will be taking place based on the policies of the Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan government, along with the guideline for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 infection by the Association of Public Theatres and Halls in Japan.
Please read this page before visiting the theatre.
NEWS & FEATURES
Cast change: Tannhäuser (28 January - 11 February) / Role of Wolfram von Eschenbach
2022/2023 Season Opera at the New National Theatre, Tokyo
SYNOPSIS
Medieval Germany. The minstrel knight Tannhäuser has been enjoying worldly pleasures in Venusberg, the realm of the goddess of love. However, now he is weary and longs to go back to the human world. Venus pleads him to stay, but Tannhäuser resists and finds himself back in the Valley of Wartburg. He meets his fellow knights and follows them to the castle.
In Wartburg's Hall of Song, Tannhäuser and Elisabeth rejoice in their reunion, and he decides to take part in the song contest. The Landgrave Hermann announces "the nature of love" as the subject of the contest: Wolfram von Eschenbach sings of love as a fountain of pure water and the other knights also sing of spiritual love. However, Tannhäuser contradicts them with his song in praise of Venus and sensual love, revealing that he has been in the Venusberg. The knights try to attack him but Elisabeth intervenes and begs them for mercy. Tannhäuser is ordered by the Landgrave to make a pilgrimage to Rome to seek penance.
Elisabeth prays for Tannhäuser's salvation and awaits his return, but he is not among the group of pilgrims that pass by. Wolfram watches over her and calls on the evening star to guide her way. Finally Tannhäuser appears alone, and he tells Wolfram how the Pope didn't forgive him. In despair, he tries to return to Venusberg but at that moment the news of Elisabeth's death is brought. With the words "Elisabeth, pray for me" he dies and his soul is saved. The chorus praises the grace of God.
VIDEO
CREATIVE TEAM & CAST
CREATIVE TEAM
Conductor: Alejo PÉREZ
Production: Hans-Peter LEHMANN
Set and Costume Design: Olaf ZOMBECK
Lighting Design: TATSUTA Yuji
Choreographer: Mehmet BALKAN
CAST
Hermann: TSUMAYA Hidekazu
Tannhäuser: Stephen GOULD
Wolfram von Eschenbach: David STOUT
Walther von der Vogelweide: SUZUKI Jun
Biterolf: AOYAMA Takashi
Heinrich der Schreiber: IMAO Shigeru
Reinmar von Zweter: GOTO Kazuma
Elisabeth: Sabina CVILAK
Venus: Eglė ŠIDLAUSKAITĖ
Ein junger Hirt: MAEKAWA Yoriko
Vier Edelknaben: WADA Shihori, KOMIYAMA Yukiko, HANAFUSA Eriko, NAGASAWA Miki
Chorus: New National Theatre Chorus
Ballet: Tokyo City Ballet
Orchestra: Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
- CREATIVE TEAM
- CAST
-
ConductorAlejo PÉREZ
ProductionHans-Peter LEHMANN
-
HermannTSUMAYA Hidekazu
TannhäuserStephen GOULD
Wolfram von EschenbachDavid STOUT
Walther von der VogelweideSUZUKI Jun
BiterolfAOYAMA Takashi
ElisabethSabina CVILAK
VenusEglė ŠIDLAUSKAITĖ
TICKETS
Booking Opens: Sat, 26 Nov 2022, 10:00am
*The tickets will be sold for all seats as normal (except the seats in rows 1-2 on the 1st Floor).
Booking Z seats (Day tickets) 1,650 yen
- You are able to purchase Z seat tickets online from 10:00 am. Click "BUY TICKETS" next to "Z" under each performance information.
- There is a handling charge of ¥330 (incl. tax).
- Only when seats allocated as Z seat are still available 2 hours before the show starts, you are able to purchase these tickets at the Box Office of the theatre.
- Note that all Z seats are on a first come, first served basis and will come with restricted views.
Concession Prices
Under 15s discounts and Z seats (Day Tickets) are available online. Other types of discount tickets are not available online. Please inquire at the Box Office or by telephone.
*Please note that further changes or cancellations may be required as the coronavirus situation develops or to comply with requests from the Government.
Please Note
- For Seat D of Opera performances, maximum of 2 tickets per person on the first day of ticket sale.
- No admittance to pre-school children. Each child older than this age requires a ticket for entry, even when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Tickets may not be changed or refunded except following conditions.
- When the performance is cancelled.
- In case you correspond to the conditions as mentioned on this page
- If you choose not to attend the performance due to prevent infection.
Please be sure to call the New National Theatre, Tokyo Box Office in advance.
At that point, we will tell you the Refund method.
- A special discount price is available for disabled guests. Please inquire at the Box Office for details.
- Users of wheelchairs are requested to contact the Box Office.
- Please note that cast or programme change may be required depending on the situation.