The flying
Dutchman

Amazing voice

“The sheer force of her voice when she hits the high notes is a phenomenon in itself” – wrote Maren Ørstavik in Aftenposten after experiencing Lise Davidsen in The Power of Fate in 2023.

The Norwegian star soprano is sought after across the world. She was named International Opera Awards Female Singer of the Year in 2021, won the Spellemannprisen in Norway in the category of ‘International Success of the Year’ in 2020 and has been nominated for the award several times.

She is now taking the stage at the Oslo Opera House to sing the role of Senta in a concert performance of Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. It will be performed live on the Main Stage and she will be accompanied by Grammy-winning bass-baritone Gerald Finley in the title role. The New York Times has called this Canadian an “artist of the first rank”. Experiencing the two together in Wagner’s masterpiece is a truly unique opportunity.

The redeeming power of love

The plot of The Flying Dutchman is based on the legend of the same name about a ghost ship that is never able to make port, but doomed to sail the seven seas for all eternity. The Dutchman is trapped in a curse and can only be redeemed by the love of a faithful woman. Redemption through love is a common theme in Wagner’s work.

Wagner wrote the opera in 1841, inspired by a stormy sea voyage that ended with him seeking refuge along the Norwegian coast. It is considered his breakthrough as an opera composer.

New music director

Edward Gardner, the Oslo Opera House’s new music director, is conducting the Opera Orchestra and the Opera Chorus, while Norwegian National Opera performer Eirik Grøtvedt is singing the role of the Steersman. The recording of the concert will be released on Decca Classics.