Festspielhaus guests still enthusiastically praise the production of the “Cavalier of the Rose” with Christian Thielemann, Renée Fleming and Sophie Koch. Now we are proud to announce that the legend continues! The Marschallin Renée Fleming will sing the role of Ariadne, whilst her former “Cavalier” co-star Sophie Koch will play the Composer. With “Ariadne”, Strauss succeeded in replicating the success of the “Cavalier of the Rose” but without resorting to repetition. The content of this ever changing comedy/tragedy is perhaps even more refined than its predecessor, and in this latest opera it becomes clear that Strauss was a philogynist. The soprano and alto roles are simply but magically combined. Strauss was the last of the great composers to let his singers sing in a completely relaxed manner. The direction of Philippe Arlaud is sure to be equally relaxed, wonderfully deepening the on-stage atmosphere with his lighting and colour effects. We suggest reserving tickets early!

Christian Thielemann Musical Direction 
Philippe Arlaud Direction and Stage Design     
Andrea Uhmann Costumes    
Staatskapelle Dresden
    
Eike Wilm Schulte A music teacher 
Sophie Koch The composer
Renée Fleming Ariadne / Prima donna
Robert Dean Smith Bacchus / The Tenor
Jane Archibald Zerbinetta
Nikolay Borchev Harlequine 
Kenneth Roberson Scaramuccio
Steven Humes Truffaldino 
Kevin Conners Brighella  
TBA The dancing master 
Roman Grübner Lackey
David Jerusalem Wigmaker
Michael Ventow Officer
Christina Landshamer Naiad 
Rachel Frenkel Dryad
Lenneke Ruiten Echo
René Kollo Majordomo (Speaking part)

Richard Strauss 
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60 (2nd version, 1916 Vienna)
Poetry by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Opera in one act (135’)    

Finishing time approx.: 10.45pm / 9.45pm