De Vliegende Hollander

The opera Flying Dutchman, nourished by the maritime legends of the 17th century, came to life through Richard Wagner's music, inspired by a tale penned by Heinrich Heine. This masterpiece, shaped by Wagner under the influence of a turbulent sea voyage, was first performed in Dresden in 1843 and has continued to captivate audiences ever since.

The opera is set on the Norwegian coast during the 18th century. The Dutch captain, defying the endless waves, is condemned to immortality by a supernatural curse. However, there is only one way to alter this fate: when granted the opportunity to come ashore once every seven years, he must win the love of a woman who will bind herself to him with eternal loyalty. Could Senta be the one to break this curse? While Wagner highlights the sacrifices of female characters in his operas, he focuses on Senta’s tragic yet powerful stance in Flying Dutchman.

First staged at the 15th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival, Flying Dutchman continues to engage art lovers in the 2024 - 2025 art season.

Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

He is one of the most important and influential composers of the German Romantic period. He revolutionised the music world with his operas and orchestral works. Known for his musical innovations and dramatic storytelling, Wagner reshaped the form of opera. In his works, he utilised the orchestra not just as a background but as an integral part of the narrative, developing the concept of "musical drama".

Among Wagner’s most renowned works are colossal operas such as Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung), Tristan und Isolde, and Die Walküre. In these works, he explores universal themes such as mythology, love, loyalty, and heroism. Wagner's music and dramatic style significantly influenced later composers and played a crucial role in the evolution of the art of opera.