Dutch National Opera

Der Rosenkavalier

Richard Strauss (1864-1949)

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Dates

13 Apr-2 May 2023

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage

Running time

4:20, incl. 2 intervals

Tickets

Not available

Time is a wondrous thing

In Der Rosenkavalier, Richard Strauss presents a world on the brink of vanishing. The opera artfully balances comic intrigue with poignancy, revealing a set of characters trying to hold on to a life that is an illusion. Their efforts are in vain: the passage of time is relentless, paving the way for a future that lies with the next generation.

Photo: Marta Syrko

Time is a wondrous thing

Der Rosenkavalier (1911) had long been on Lorenzo Viotti’s wish list when he became chief conductor of Dutch National Opera. Its brilliant score champions both the orchestra and the voice, offering swirling Viennese waltzes with swaggering rhythms as well as breathtaking vocal lines. This opera gives Viotti the perfect opportunity to show different sides of his artistry.

Viotti will be working with a first-rate cast of singers. Soprano Maria Bengtsson makes an ideal Marschallin with her noble voice and undeniable stage presence, while mezzo-soprano Angela Brower, renowned for her velvety sound and pristine delivery, takes on the role of Octavian. German bass Christof Fischesser will bring his deep, rich warm tones as well as his flair for comedy to the role of Baron Ochs.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Musical comedy in three acts

Sung in German

Libretto Hugo von Hofmannsthal

Musical direction  Lorenzo Viotti

Stage direction  Jan Philipp Gloger

Set design  Ben Baur

Costumes  Karin Jud

Lighting  Bernd Purkrabek

Dramaturgy  Sophie Becker, Klaus Bertisch

Die Feldmarschallin  Maria Bengtsson

Der Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau  Christof Fischesser

Octavian  Angela Brower

Herr von Faninal  Martin Gantner

Sophie  Nina Minasyan

Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin  Iris van Wijnen

Valzacchi  Marcel Reijans

Annina  Eva Kroon

Ein Polizeikommisar Scott Wilde

Haushofmeister der Feldmarschallin  Erik Slik

Haushofmeister bei Faninal Ian Castro*

Ein Notar Alexander de Jong

Ein Wirt Lucas van Lierop

Ein Sänger Angel Romero

Drei adelige Waisen

Dana Ilia, Maria Kowan, Marieke Reuten

Eine Modistin Tomoko Makuuchi

Ein Tierhändler Richard Prada

Vier Lakeien François Soons, John van Halteren, Nicolas Clemens, Christiaan Peters

Vier Kellner Frank Engel, Jorne van Bergeijk, Hans-Pieter Herman, Sander Heutinck

Hausknecht Peter Arink

*Dutch National Opera Studio

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra

Chorus of Dutch National Opera

Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper

Nieuw Amsterdams Kinderkoor (part of Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam)

Children's chorus master Pia Pleijsier

One of Richard Strauss’ most popular operas, under the baton of chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti

Podcast

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Scene Der Rosenkavalier | Photo: Clärchen and Matthias Baus

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra

Dutch National Opera has a long-standing and proud history with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra | the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, which has been its main orchestra partner for the past 30 years. It is widely considered to be one of the best opera orchestras in the world.

Photo: Melle Meivogel

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra

Naturally, it also performs in concerts of its own and then its go-to venue is the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In addition to its collaboration with chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti and music director of the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra Gordan Nikolić, the orchestra regularly works with internationally renowned guest conductors and soloists, as well as a whole new generation of excellent musicians. It has played on countless stages, using music to connect people by giving exceptional performances that inspire both connoisseurs and novices alike. The orchestra's base is in the warm and welcoming NedPhO-Dome in the ‘lndische Buurt’ in Amsterdam, ensuring it is at the heart of the community. In this way, the orchestra hopes to make classical music more approachable to a wider audience.

Season 2022/23 will see the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra join us for our season-opener Carmen, as well as for Königskinder, Turandot and Der Rosenkavalier. The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra will provide the orchestral accompaniment for Animal Farm and Maria Stuarda.

Viotti lets the orchestra sparkle and shine in 'Der Rosenkavalier' - Chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti leads his first Strauss opera at Dutch National Opera: 'Der Rosenkavalier'. Pithy switching is not his element, flowing passion is. The new cast offers strong newcomers.''

14 April

In the pit, Lorenzo Viotti kneaded the tempo loose, pulling at the beat lines and propelling the decibels upwards in a grandiose arc. At the climax, he threw both his arms ecstatically in the air, as we have rarely seen from him before. It was a miraculously successful scene, one where time seemed to stand still.

14 April

But once warmed up, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra plays as if blessed by the gods. This is thanks to the lightly modelling stroke of chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti, who provokes tender melancholy and sparkling irony with selfless sincerity.

16 April

Soprano trio shines in Der Rosenkavalier - The brilliant trio of Maria Bengtsson as Princess Werdenberg, alias the Marschallin, (mezzo-soprano) Angela Brower as Octavian Count Rofrano and Nina Minasyan as Sophie von Faninal matched each other beautifully in the colouring of their voices.