'Bayreuth in Shanghai" Opera Project 2025-2027 presents its second highly anticipated production: a brand-new staging of Richard Wagner's Die Walküre, directed by Katharina Wagner, Artistic Director of the Bayreuth Festival, set to celebrate its world premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. As the second opera in Wagner's four-opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen (hereafter referred to as The Ring), Die Walküre was completed in 1856. It received its premiere as a standalone work at the National Theatre Munich in 1870. On 14 August 1876, with the first complete performance of The Ring at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, the work secured its place as an enduring classic in the history of opera.

 

 

The story of Die Walküre draws from the legendary Völsunga saga and the Old Norse poetic Edda. Separated in childhood, Siegmund and Sieglinde, twin siblings of the Völsung clan, reunite unexpectedly after many hardships and fall deeply in love. This transgressive union incurs the wrath of the gods, who condemn Siegmund to death. Brünnhilde, a Valkyrie and daughter of Wotan, chooses compassion over obedience, defying her father to protect Sieglinde and her unborn child. For her loyalty to her conscience, she faces divine punishment. It is a quiet, defiant assertion of free will against divine fate, and a pivotal chapter in the entire epic of The Ring.

 

A pinnacle of Wagnerian music drama, Die Walküre stands as a landmark of Western opera, celebrated for its monumental musical architecture, gripping dramatic power and profound humanistic vision. 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the Bayreuth Festival and the complete premiere of The Ring, as well as the 170th anniversary of the completion of Die Walküre. To commemorate this momentous occasion, this brand-new production remains faithful to the work’s core artistic values and Wagner’s original epic vision, while striving to deliver a world-class operatic spectacle that blends classic heritage with aesthetic innovation through a groundbreaking narrative framework and stage presentation.

 

The Bayreuth Festival
The Bayreuth Festival is of outstanding importance in the world of classical music and opera and is closely associated with the name of Richard Wagner. It was founded in 1876 by Richard Wagner to perform his own works in a specially built festival hall. This was a revolutionary idea, as there had previously been hardly any venues designed exclusively for the performance of a particular composer. The festival is therefore a milestone in the history of opera and music theater.

 

The festival is a central component of German and international cultural history. They have shaped not only Wagner's music, but also German culture in general. Bayreuth has become a symbol for the examination of Wagner's work and its complex history, including the discussion of Wagner's controversial views. The Bayreuth Festival is known for its special productions of Wagner's operas, which often include innovative directorial concepts and stage designs. The Festival has a tradition of presenting Wagner's works in a context that takes into account both the musical and theatrical dimensions. This has helped to preserve and develop Wagner's music dramas as a living art form. The Festspielhaus in Bayreuth, which was designed by Wagner himself, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics. The architecture of the building was specially adapted to the requirements of Wagner's music, resulting in a unique sound experience. These acoustic properties have made the Festspielhaus one of the best venues for opera performances.

The Bayreuth Festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. It is a major event in the international cultural calendar and provides a platform for artists, conductors and directors to explore Wagner's work. The festival promotes cultural exchange and cooperation between different countries and cultures. Over the years, the Bayreuth Festival has repeatedly provided new artistic impetus. Directors and artists have the freedom to reinterpret Wagner's works and pursue innovative approaches. This has contributed to the fact that the Festival not only preserves tradition, but also incorporates contemporary themes and perspectives into the performances. The festival also plays an important role in musical education and research. They offer numerous events, lectures and discussions dealing with Wagner's work and its influence on music history. This promotes understanding and discussion of music and culture from the 19th century to the present day.

 

The Bayreuth Festival is not only a place of art, but also a space for social discussions. The examination of Wagner's controversial views and their impact on today's society is an important part of the Festival. This enables critical reflection on the role of art in society and the responsibility of artists.