"The Flying Dutchman" as a mystery thriller with Bryn Terfel

In the 2012/13 season, Richard Wagner's "Der Fliegende Holländer" was staged at Zurich Opera House with Bryn Terfel, Anja Kampe and Matti Salminen in the leading roles. It was also Andreas Homocki's first production as director of the opera house. The production, which was also shown on television as a joint project by ZDF and Arte, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray: Terfel's performance alone has already made the Zurich production of The Dutchman legendary. The version on DVD or Blu-ray is a must for every opera lover who has not been able to see this Dutchman live.

Homocki staged "Der Fliegende Holländer" in Zurich as a mystery thriller critical of capitalism. It should be exciting and unreal. In the role of Daland, Matti Salminen embodies the symbol of the capitalist entrepreneur with an expressive and confident voice.

The uncontrollable powers of the irrational, which cause Daland's entrepreneurial world to totter, are represented by "The Flying Dutchman" Bryn Terfel in a vocally complex and powerful way through his mysterious appearances. The character of the Dutchman throws order out of kilter, also thanks to Terfel's great presence. The fact that Senta as a character does not want to fit into this order is also brilliantly realized by Anja Kampe through her acting and her voice

The orchestra creates an impressive 21st century Wagnerian sound in "Der Fliegende Holländer". The Philharmonia Zurich under Alain Altinoglu provides restrained accompaniment where necessary, upbeat and agitated where the action picks up speed, and always plays with precision and rich color.

"Der Fliegende Holländer" not only thrilled audiences in Zurich, but also at the guest performance in London. This production of the early Wagner opera is a good introduction for Wagner newcomers and a reference production for every connoisseur.