Dutch National Opera

Tristan und Isolde

Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883)

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Photo: Hugo Thomassen

Dates

8 – 23 February 2026

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage

Running time

4:55, incl. 2 intervals

Tickets

From € 34

Photo: Hugo Thomassen

Wagner’s musical whirlwind of desire

In Tristan und Isolde, Richard Wagner gives unparalleled musical expression to an overwhelming longing for love. Tristan is escorting Isolde by ship to King Marke, whom she is meant to marry. But Isolde would rather die and prepares a death potion to share with Tristan. However, the cup turns out to contain a love potion. Even before they set foot on land, Tristan and Isolde are bound to one another—a passion that can only find fulfilment in death. In his acclaimed staging, Pierre Audi creates striking, abstract imagery that enhances the music and makes the power of love palpable.

A grand musical drama

In Tristan und Isolde, Richard Wagner translates desire into music in a way that had never been heard before. He uses endless melodies and tension-filled harmonies that seem to be in constant search of resolution. In this way, he draws listeners into a musical whirlwind, culminating in Isolde’s famous ‘Liebestod’. Conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, a rising star in the opera world, leads the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, where he is principal guest conductor. It was Wagner’s music that first inspired Peltokoski to become a conductor. Despite his young age—he was born in 2000—he has already built a reputation with several highly acclaimed Wagner performances. His interpretation of Tristan und Isolde promises to be an unforgettable musical experience.

A top cast for one of opera’s most demanding roles

The roles of Tristan and Isolde are among the most challenging in the operatic repertoire. Soprano Malin Byström makes her role debut as Isolde, following impressive performances as Salome, Tosca and Elsa (Lohengrin) in Amsterdam. Tenor Michael Weinius performs as Tristan, a role he has sung to great acclaim in Paris, Zurich and Berlin.

Staging of Tristan und Isolde

It is with sadness and dismay that we have learned of the sudden passing of Pierre Audi (67). At this time, it is still uncertain who will be overseeing the staging of his Tristan und Isolde. Please keep an eye on this webpage for the most up-to-date information.

Ticket sales start

Ticket sales for Tristan und Isolde start on 28 August 2025 at 12 noon. Don’t want to miss this on-sale moment? Sign up for our ticket alert and receive a notification when ticket sales open.

Performance information

Wagner revival

Music drama in three acts

Sung in German

Music and libretto Richard Wagner

Musical direction Tarmo Peltokoski
Stage direction Pierre Audi
Set and costume design Christof Hetzer
Lighting design Jean Kalman
Video design Anna Bertsch
Dramaturgy Willem Bruls

Tristan Michael Weinius
Isolde Malin Byström
König Marke Liang Li
Kurwenal Jordan Shanahan
Brangäne Irene Roberts

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Chorus of Dutch National Opera
Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper

Co-production with Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

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Ticket prices

We provide discounts tailored for certain groups to ensure our performances are accessible to all. Please visit this page to determine if you qualify for a discount.

Price category	Standard	CJP \| Stadspas \| Youth aged 16 and under
1^st	€ 182,00	€ 164,00
2^nd	€ 157,00	€ 136,00
3^rd	€ 132,00	€ 105,00
4^th	€ 100,00	€ 87,00
5^th	€ 66,00	€ 57,00
6^th	€ 31,00	€ 24,00

Dutch National Opera & Ballet uses a system of dynamic pricing. This means that tickets for popular performances may increase in price as the performance date approaches and more tickets are sold. All prices exclude the booking fee (€ 3 per ticket).

Student discount and student alert

Last-minute deal! When a performance isn’t sold out, students can purchase a ticket online for just € 20 on the day of the performance starting from 13:00.

To stay updated on more offers, sign up for our student alert. This way, you’ll be informed in advance about which performances you can attend for just € 20!

Ticket sales for Tristan und Isolde start on 28 August 2025 at 12 noon. Don’t want to miss this on-sale moment? Sign up for our ticket alert and receive a notification when ticket sales open.

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‘Liebestod’ as the key

Stage director Pierre Audi and soprano Malin Byström on Tristan und Isolde

Had they been asked years ago, both director Pierre Audi and soprano Malin Byström would have told you they would never dare take on Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde.