Special gala concert - Wagner

Following the close of our 2026/2027 orchestral subscription series we look forward to a special evening devoted to the music of Wagner, whose operas are among the most powerful achievements in 19th-century music. To join music director Emmanuel Villaume on stage, we welcome two truly outstanding soloists: acclaimed bass-baritone Nicholas Brownlee, one of the stars of the approaching season at the celebrated Bayreuth Festival, and distinguished mezzo-soprano Jennifer Feinstein.

The dramatic overture to Der fliegende Holländer sets the scene, with its turbulent orchestral energy so characteristic of Wagner's early mature style, following which Brownlee takes centre stage in the powerful aria Die Frist ist um, portraying the tormented figure of the cursed mariner. From here we move on to Lohengrin, whose luminous overture constitutes one of Wagner's most atmospheric inspirations. The duet Du wilde Seherin brings together vocal drama and orchestral writing in music of heightened theatrical intensity.

Our second half is devoted to scenes from Die Walküre, including the thrilling Ride of the Valkyries, one of the best-known orchestral passages in all the operatic repertoire. Duets between Brownlee and Feinstein explore the emotional conflicts at the heart of the drama, culminating in Wotan's grief-filled farewell. The evening concludes with the shimmering orchestral Magic Fire Music, bringing Wagner's expansive dramatic vision to a blazing close.

Performing Wagner's sumptuously scored music in concert is both an immense joy and a considerable challenge, requiring as it does a large orchestral apparatus with extended string sections and additional wind players and placing considerable demands on all performers in terms of precision, power, and a feel for style and drama. This promises to be an evening of exceptional artistry, emotional intensity and joy in rising to that challenge together, as well as a most magnificent postscript to the Prague Philharmonia's 33rd concert season.