Das Rheingold

The beginning of a masterpiece 

In January 2027, we begin our journey with Richard Wagner’s monumental work Der Ring des Nibelungen and invite you to join us on an operatic adventure you will never forget. 

Der Ring des Nibelungen consists of three music dramas – The Valkyrie, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung  – plus a prelude: The Rhinegold. From 2027 to 2029, you can experience the works one by one. In 2029, we will also perform the entire cycle over the course of one week, twice. But first, then – the prelude. 

What is The Rhinegold about? 

Deep down on the muddy bed of the Rhine, something enticing gleams. The gold is guarded by the Rhinemaidens, who taunt the dark elf Alberich. Whoever owns the gold gains power over the world, they say. Alberich is both provoked and tempted. He steals the gold – despite the Rhinemaidens’ warning that whoever takes it will never know love. 

In the world of the gods, Wotan has built himself a palace he cannot really afford. In desperation, he has promised his sister-in-law, Freia, as payment. His wife, Fricka, is, to put it mildly, far from pleased. That is when the cunning Loge tells of the gold Alberich has forged into a ring that grants all the power in the world … 

Wotan and Loge travel to Nibelheim, seize the treasure and the ring, but the primal mother Erda persuades Wotan to give it up. It does not take long before both we and Wotan see the far-reaching effects of the curse that will haunt generations – a struggle between loveless power and powerless love. 

A Ring for our time 

The acclaimed director Tatjana Gürbaca has been tasked with staging the Norwegian National Opera’s new Der Ring des Nibelungen. She is known for her psychologically precise interpretations of human relationships and for sharp, complex portrayals, particularly of female characters. 

With the Opera’s Music Director Edward Gardner on the podium and a top team of Norwegian and international soloists in the roles, everything is in place for an epic experience of a rare kind.