Tristan und Isolde is Wagner’s hymn to desire beyond reason. In the Liebestod, Isolde literally expires from passion, singing rapturously all the while.

It complements Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, whose second half centers around the famous Adagietto, a blissful love song to his wife. This colossal piece begins with a magnificent, despairing funeral march and a turbulent scherzo, before switching mood entirely and ending with uncontained jubilation. With a huge orchestra, including musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), all under Giordano Bellincampi’s direction it will be a performance to remember.

Presented in collaboration with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).
Presented in association with ICBC.

Supported by the Wagner Society of New Zealand from the bequest of Wallace Ryan.