Premiere of The Flying Dutchman”: A spectacle in the quarry!

Premiere of The Flying Dutchman”: A spectacle in the quarry!

On July 9, 2025 the time has come: the premiere of Richard Wagner's legendary opera “The Flying Dutchman” will take place in the unique setting of the Opera in the Quarry in St. Margarethen. This production promises not only musical highlights, but also visual and technical highlights that will captivate the audience. The play deals with the story of a cursed captain who seeks redemption through the loyalty of the sailor's daughter Senta. The opera lasts two and a half hours and includes a variety of musical elements, including ballads, monologues, duets and choral songs that support the dramatic action.

Director Philipp M. Krenn and his team bring the rough nature of the sea and rousing storms to the stage under the creative eye of set designer Momme Hinrichs. A gigantic ghost ship sailing through the stage set is framed by magnificent costumes by designer Eva Dessecker. To further enhance the ambience, videographic projections of water and fire, as well as spectacular stunts will be shown under the direction of stunt action designer Ran Arthur Braun.

Artistic cast and musical direction

The musical direction is taken over by Patrick Lange, who is passionately known for masterfully interpreting works by Wagner. Lange, who began his career at the Komische Oper Berlin, among others, has made a name for himself as a conductor in renowned opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London. Its versatility is underlined by new productions of “Tannhäuser” and “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg”.

The role of Senta is played by the sopranos Elisabeth Teige, Johanni van Oostrum and Johanna Will, while the tenors AJ Glueckert, Dominik Chenes and Nenad Čiča take on the role of the hunter Erik. Jinxu Xiaohu and Brian Michael Moore will return in the role of helmsman. Roxana Constantinescu shines as Mary, and Liang Li and Jens-Erik Aasbø take on the role of Daland. The baritones George Gagnidze, James Rutherford and Tommi Hakkala are expected to play the leading role of the Dutchman, with Gagnidze having numerous important appearances as one of the leading baritones.

Additional attractions and competition

Before and during the break there will be a culinary offering with specialties from Scandinavian cuisine to round off the evening. In order to increase anticipation for the premiere, the Opera im Steinbruch is holding a competition: 7×2 tickets for the premiere and 20×2 tickets for the performances on August 9th and 16th will be raffled off. The winners can look forward to a visit to the opera lounge with VIP entrance.

The production “The Flying Dutchman” not only stands for musical excellence, but also promises an overall experience that is impressively presented in the unique atmosphere of the quarry. Visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience that appeals to all the senses. Further information and tickets are available on the Oper im Steinbruch website.