This summer, David Afkham makes his debut at the Staatsoper Stuttgart conducting Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer. Mr. Afkham conducted this epic opera in a concert version this past Spring featuring Sir Bryn Terfel singing the title role, part of the Spring Festival in Tokyo. Known for his radical interpretations of opera, Calixto Bieito’s production returns to the Stuttgart Staatsoper after its premiere in 2008. Mr. Bieito says of the production:

“My interpretation of the Dutchman is very simple: It is the story of the Western European man today, who is losing his job in this kind of economic system we have today. He is depressive, thinking about where he can find loyalty, fidelity, solidarity – where he can find something true.”

Performances take place on June 20, 23, 30, and July 3. Mr. Afkham conducts the Staatsorchester and Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, plus a sparkling roster of artists including John Lundgren as the Dutchman, Elisabet Strid as Senta, Liang Li as Daland, Matthias Klink as Erik, Fiorella Hincapié as Mary, and Daniel Kluge as the Steersman. Mr. Afkham conducts the Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, and Zusatzchor der Oper Stuttgart (Geisterchor).

David Afkham makes debut with Chamber Orchestra of Europe

David Afkham debuts at Theater an der Wien conducting Dvořák’s ‘Rusalka’