Der Fliegende Hollander

Tim Albery's Olivier-nominated production of Wagner's opera was new in the 2008/9 Season, and is back early in this one with a special musical highlight too: the return of Jeffrey Tate to the Royal Opera House to conduct a score that utilizes the brilliance and richness of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House to the full.

Anja Kampe comes back to the role of Senta- for which she was also Olivier-nominated- the young woman desperate to leave her unfulfilling life in an isolated Baltic port. The mysterious Dutchman, this time to be sung by leading Wagner interpreter Falk Struckmann, seems to offer escape to Senta.

The production itself is dark and intense, to match the psychological themes of longing and denial, hope and redemption. Visually imposing, Michael Levine's set designs evoke the elemental forces of nature and the towering hulks of the ships that do daily battle with them. Driving it on is Wagner's magnificent score which utilizes a world-class cast and the large Royal Opera Chorus to the full for an absorbing drama and a thrilling operatic experience.