North Carolina Opera to Open 2016-17 Season with Wagner's DAS RHEINGOLD

Raleigh, NC -- North Carolina Opera is excited to announce the opening of individual non-subscription ticket sales beginning Sunday, June 26, 2016. The 2016/17 season opener, Wagner's Das Rheingold will be presented on Friday, September 16 at 8pm and Sunday, September 18 at 3pm at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh.

First performed at the National Theatre Munich, Germany on September 22, 1869, this musical drama takes its audience through a journey depicting the creation of the world, the terrifying anvil-accompanied descent into the underworld, and its culmination in the triumphant Entry of the Gods into Valhalla, Das Rheingold is the first installment of Richard Wagner's epic Ring Cycle.

"Bringing Das Rheingold to the Raleigh stage is an exciting and first-of-its-kind undertaking for the NCO," says North Carolina Opera General Director, Eric Mitchko. "With our 80-person orchestra and stellar cast - this is a not to be missed musical event, not just for the Triangle, but for the entire state. We strive to bring unique and varied performances to our guests every year and this season's line-up is unlike any other."

This semi-staged production directed by James Marvel and conducted by Timothy Myers, is the company's first presentation of a complete Wagner opera. "With Das Rheingold we are continuing our multi-year project of bringing the great works of Wagner to the Triangle. I'm proud to lead our fantastic orchestra and artistic team in this amazing piece," said Timothy Myers.

The orchestra includes unusual instruments such as anvils and Wagner tubas, a new instrument invented by composer himself. This will be NCO's largest production to date and is generously sponsored by C. Thomas Kunz.

The all-star cast of 14 is comprised of Gods, Nibelungs, Giants and Rhinemaidens. Alfred Walker leads the cast as Wotan and is best known for his smooth bass-baritone and clear projection. A frequent presence at the Metropolitan, Walker brings a passionate performance to his role in Das Rheingold. In addition, NCO favorites Soloman Howard, Richard Wiegold, Hailey Clark, Todd Thomas, Adam Lau, Wade Henderson, Rachel Copeland and Kate Farrar return to the Raleigh stage for this presentation.

For more information on Das Rheingold and the rest of the NCO's 2016/2017 season, visit www.ncopera.org or 919.792.385.

North Carolina Opera was formed in 2010 from the merger of The Opera Company of North Carolina and Capital Opera Raleigh. Since its inception, the opera has benewsdesk@broadwayworld.comen dedicated to presenting operatic performances at the highest level throughout the Triangle. We also have a robust education program that brings opera to schools across Wake County and surrounding counties. North Carolina Opera brings international level artists to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and also engages the best in local Triangle talent. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthCarolinaOpera or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncopera for up to date information on events in the community, news and more.

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