Before Eurovision, there was the Wartburg Song Contest. Eurovision could only wish for this much drama!
Imagine basking in the adoration of Venus herself. Our minstrel-knight Tannhäuser has found a paradise of passion and pleasure with the goddess of love and beauty. Life is perfect. Until, he gets bored – and homesick.
Venus banishes him. Much to the joy of his friends and former love Elisabeth, Tannhäuser finds himself in Wartburg and enters the upcoming song contest. Only, he is unable to forget the sensuous realm of Venusberg, and praises Venus in song. Horrified, the crowd turns on him, insisting he atone for his sins with a pilgrimage. Elisabeth prays for his soul as Tannhäuser seeks salvation in Rome. Will he be absolved, or are Venus’ charms impossible to resist?
Understatement was never in Wagner’s vocabulary. His works are epic in scale, mythical of storyline, and radical in their orchestration. Tannhäuser is no exception.
From its thrilling overture to its shattering climax, Wagner’s exploration of love, religion and redemption through German folklore has fascinated and entranced audiences since its scandalous premiere.
Presented in concert at Arts Centre Melbourne, Wagner’s magnificent orchestrations are conducted by Asher Fisch and gloriously played by Orchestra Victoria. Featuring Opera Australia's “Pilgrim’s Chorus”, the Opera Australia Chorus, this is ‘Romantic grand opera’ at its legendary best.
4hrs (incl. 2 intervals)
Recommended Age: 12yrs+
17th May, 2023
20th May, 2023
The venue is wheelchair accessible. An Assistive Hearing system is available. Assistance Animals are welcome in all areas of Arts Centre Melbourne and water bowls are available on request.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY CAR: The Arts Centre Melbourne undercover car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The car park entrance is located at 4 Sturt Street. It is housed underneath the Theatres Building – a 5 minute walk (outside) to Hamer Hall or a 10 minute walk along St Kilda Rd to Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The car park is a cash-free facility, so please make sure you have a valid credit or debit card before entering.
BY TRAIN: The closest train station to all venues is Flinders Street Station. Exit the station onto Swanston Street, turn your back on the city and walk across Princes Bridge.
BY TRAM: The tram routes that stop in front of Arts Centre Melbourne are: 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72. This stop is number 14 – “Arts Precinct"
BY BICYCLE: Bicycle lanes run north and south along St Kilda Road. On-street bicycle hoops are available outside Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building (under the Spire)
Conductor: Asher Fisch
Director: Shane Plancentino
Tannhäuser: Stefan Vinke
Elisabeth: Amber Wagner
Landgraf Hemann: Timo Riihonen
Venus: Anna-Louise Cole
Biterolf/Reinmar Von Zweter: Richard Anderson
Walther Von Der Vogelweide: Thomas Strong
Heinrich Der Schreiber: Iain Henderson
Shepherd: Agnes Sarkis
Four Pages: Leah Thomas, Angela Hogan, Louise Keast, Margaret Trubiano
Opera Australia Chorus
Orchestra Victoria
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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