Wellgunde (cover)
About
TICKET NOTE: Patrons who wish to purchase a complete Ring Cycle package should call the Subscriptions Office at (202) 416-8500. Single tickets to all of the individual Ring operas go on sale to Kennedy Center Members on Monday, Feb. 1, and to the Public on Monday, Feb. 22.
A MYTHICAL RING STOLEN. A POWERFUL CURSE UNLEASHED.
The Rhinegold
(Das Rheingold, 1869)
The epic story of the Ring begins on the banks of the Rhine, where three maidens guard the river's magical gold. If forged into a ring, this sacred treasure gives its bearer unimaginable abilities--but at the cost of renouncing love forever. Alberich, a cunning dwarf, futilely tries to seduce the Rhinemaidens. Angered by their scorn, he steals the precious metal and retreats to the underworld, commanding his slaves to begin molding his means to world domination.
Meanwhile, Wotan, the king of the gods, must repay the giants Fasolt and Fafner for their construction of Valhalla, an opulent new fortress for his fellow immortals, among them his long-suffering wife Fricka. Working with the fire spirit Loge and Alberich's sly brother Mime, Wotan conspires to seize the ring and settle his debt. But beware the dwarf's curse: if the ring is taken from him, jealousy, despair, and even death will befall all who possess it.
In German with projected English titles.Titles may not be visible from the rear of the orchestra.
Performance Timing: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, with NO intermission. Please plan to arrive with sufficient time to allow for parking and entry into the Opera House by curtain time.
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CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
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Woglinde
Jacqueline Echols±
Wellgunde
Catherine Martin
Flosshilde
Renée Tatum*
Alberich
Gordon Hawkins
Fricka
Elizabeth Bishop
Wotan
Alan Held
Freia
Melody Moore
Fasolt
Julian Close*
Fafner
Soloman Howard±
Froh
Richard Cox*
Donner
Ryan McKinny*
Loge
William Burden
Mime
David Cangelosi
Erda
Lindsay Ammann*
Listed in order of vocal appearance
Director
Francesca Zambello
Conductor
Philippe Auguin
Set Designer
Michael Yeargan
Costume Designer
Catherine Zuber
Lighting Designer
Mark McCullough
Projection Designers
S. Katy Tucker and Jan Hartley
Choreographer
Denni Sayers
*WNO debut
‡ Current Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist
± Former Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist