Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg – “Tannhäuser and the Singers” Contest at Wartburg' – is an opera in three acts with libretto and music by Richard Wagner, composed between 1843 and 1845.

The world premiere took place at the Dresden Opera House in 1845, and it was later performed at the Paris Opera in 1861, in a French version that incorporated the famous ballet from the first act.

In 1875, Wagner created a third version for the Vienna Opera, with a translation of the French libretto into German, among other adaptations. This latest version will form the basis of the new production by the São Carlos National Theatre, staged by Max Hoehn and with musical direction by Graeme Jenkins.

Inspired by the world of the Minnesänger and set in the 13th century, the plot brings together elements of Germanic mythology and epic tradition in its exploration of one of the themes that runs through Wagner's repertoire: redemption through love. Tannhäuser, a knight and troubadour, is seduced by the goddess Venus and imprisoned in her magical mountain.

Overcome by the desire to return to his homeland and to his ideal love, Elisabeth, he invokes the Virgin Mary to break Venus's spell, in a gesture that marks the beginning of his path to salvation.

Influenced by the genres of German Romantic Opera and French Grand Opéra, Tannhäuser reveals the conflict between carnal and spiritual love, between earthly pleasures and the redemption of the soul, dualities that echo throughout Wagner's contrasting and powerful musical writing.

23 Apr/Abr | 19:00
25 Apr/Abr | 16:00