NEW PRODUCTION PREMIERE

RICHARD WAGNER
Libretto by Richard Wagner

Two irresistible impulses—the lure of carnal pleasure and the yearning for spiritual redemption—battle for one man’s soul in Wagner’s tale of tragedy and transcendence.
German tenor Peter Seiffert, praised by New York Magazine for his "vocal finesse and expressive shading," gives a passionate portrayal of a 13th-century poet torn between his love for the pure Elisabeth and his lust for the sensual goddess Venus. The first new production of the David Gockley era will be directed by the bold and innovative Graham Vick and conducted by the Company’s acclaimed Music Director, Donald Runnicles.

See an in-depth (45 minutes) interview with Graham Vick, the visionary British director who has garnered international acclaim with his interpretations of Wagner. Here Mr. Vick describes his vision for Tannhäuser and how his production works in relation to the meaning of the opera.

*San Francisco Opera debut

Cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change

Recording Credits Current San Francisco Opera production, 2007 1. Petra Maria Schnitzer as Elisabeth, Act II 2. Peter Seiffert (Tannhäuser) and Petra Maria Schnitzer, Act II 3. James Rutherford as Wolfram von Eschinbach, Act III 4. Peter Seiffert, Act II 5. San Francisco Opera Chorus, Act II