Washington Opera's "American Ring" Cycle Continues

Washington National Opera and the Goethe-Institut today announced a collaborative press roundtable to kick-off the spring season with the next installment of its "American Ring," Die Walküre, along with a host of exciting community events surrounding the opera and an interactive exhibit to enhance audience experience. According to The Washington Post, "You won't want to miss this [opera]."

"To create this extraordinary production, American reality and myth are fused together," said director Francesca Zambello. "Themes are drawn from the visual palette and iconic imagery of American history. Staging these elements in the nation's capital creates a moving experience for audiences." Cast members Alan Held, Linda Watson, Elena Zaremba and Gidon Saks will discuss the visual and philosophical aspects of the opera.

Forms will display the evocative costumes and colorful production photographs and props will illustrate the images from the 1920s, 30s, and beyond illustrating America's emergence from innocence and transformation to a capitalistic powerhouse.

The most popular installment of Wagner's Ring cycle, Die Walküre is a saga of forbidden love, heroism, and the conflict between personal ambition and desire and the rule of law. Recounting the tragic love story of long-lost twins Siegmund and Sieglinde, and how a daughter's defiance secures the future of humanity but foretells the ultimate destruction of the gods. An outstanding international cast brings the epic opera to life, including Plácido Domingo in his signature role of Siegmund, Anja Kampe as Sieglinde, Alan Held as Wotan, and Linda Watson as Brünnhilde.

The Goethe-Institut is Washington's destination for Ring cycle events in conjunction with WNO's American Ring cycle. The special Ring exhibition will run to 23 and will feature costumes, images, and video clips from WNO's Das Rheingold to bring viewers up to date for this year's anticipated production. Plus, special elements will give audiences a sneak peak of the upcoming presentation of Die Walküre, the second in the four-part opera. Admission is free.

The partnership with the Goethe-Institut offers patrons with an appreciation for German culture and those with a love for opera opportunities to come together and experience the works of one of opera's most prolific composers. Additional public events include a "Meet the Artists" night and a "Wagner Big Brother" event for Generation O members. Events are limited to the first responders. -- www.dc-opera.org