Tristan und Isolde: Opera Bilbao

About the Event

Delve into the exquisite architecture of Bilbao's Palacio Euskalduna, where an awe‐inspiring opera concert promises to deepen your appreciation for this art form.

The year 2025 kicks off with an iconic depiction of German romanticism through Richard Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, a cornerstone and transformative work in opera history, with its prelude marking the advent of a novel compositional era. This event is generously supported by the BBVA Foundation.

This three‐act musical drama, penned by Wagner himself, is inspired by the romance of Gottfried von Strassburg, drawn from the ancient “Tristan” legend. It narrates a transcendent love tale interspersed with fierce revenge, heady sensuality, profound betrayal, and deep solitude.

Addressing the intricate musical demands of this piece, particularly for the lead roles, ABAO features a star‐studded cast including the eminent dramatic soprano Oksana Dyka as Isolde, and Welsh tenor Gwytn Hughes Jones, making his ABAO debut, as Tristan.

Joining them are mezzo‐soprano Daniela Barcellona as the watchful Brangäne Marko Mimica as König Marke, who delivers a poignant monologue in the second act and Egils Silins as Kurwenal.

Commanding the orchestra, Maestro Eric Nielsen conducts Wagner’s emotionally charged and poetically intense score from the helm of the Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa. The score’s use of chromaticism, tonality, and the revolutionary 'Tristan chord' and leitmotifs signal a bold, visionary step in musical composition.

Onstage, the production by Teatro de la Maestranza, led by Allex Aguilera, presents a classic yet contemporary interpretation, employing cutting‐edge video technology to bring the ethereal world of Tristan and Isolde to vivid life.