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DURATION
4 hr 10 min
CLOSING DATE
Until December 19, 2024
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Why watch Die Frau Ohne Schatten?
- A rare chance to experience Richard Strauss's most ambitious mystical opera, conducted by the Grammy award-winning musical director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
- Herbert Wernicke's visually stunning production revolutionizes operatic storytelling with an unlikely combination of mirrors, light, and space to create a kaleidoscopic illusion.
- Three powerhouse sopranos - Elza van den Heever, Lise Lindstrom, and Nina Stemme - lead an exceptional cast in what many consider the most vocally demanding opera ever written
- The Met's massive orchestra, over 160 players strong, brings Strauss's richest score to life with extraordinary musical force under Nézet-Séguin’s sensitive baton.
Composed during World War I, Richard Strauss's magnum opus is a profound meditation on our rare capacity for love and transformation. At its heart, Die Frau ohne Schatten explores the transcendental space between spirit and flesh, toying with the concept of the 'ideal'. Wernicke's production brilliantly contrasts the ethereal spirit kingdom, realized through mirrors and celestial projections, with the gritty industrial setting of Barak's basement dwelling.
The musical effort is massive, demanding two simultaneous orchestras (one on stage and one in the pit) that feature differing augmentations to create otherworldly soundscapes. Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin brings out the score's humanitarian message, making even the most complex passages accessible while maintaining dramatic tension. On this ethereal journey, no participant comes out unaltered.
Storyline
Beyond the realm of flesh & bones, the Empress - daughter of the spirit-king Keikobad - faces a terrible choice. Born without a shadow (the ability to bear children), she must acquire one within three days or risk turning her mortal husband, the Emperor, to stone. Desperate, she and her sinister Nurse descend to the temporal world, where they encounter Barak, a humble dyer, and his discontented wife. As they scheme to purchase the Wife's shadow, their worlds begin to blur together, leading to a profound exploration of marriage, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be human. The fate of two couples hangs in the balance as they face trials that will either destroy or redeem them.
Show timings
- Show timings for Die Frau ohne Schatten may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin
- Production, set, lighting & costume designer: Herbert Wernicke
- Leading roles: Elza van den Heever as Empress, Lise Lindstrom as Dyer’s wife, Nina Stemme as Nurse, Russell Thomas as Emperor, Michael Volle as Barak, and Ryan Speedo Green as Spirit Messenger.
Note: Producers can not guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Top songs
The cast features some of today's finest dramatic voices breathing life into Strauss's rich scores, including moving compositions like Wie soll ich denn nicht weinen? and Sie Aus Dem Hause.
Age & content guide
- All attendees, including children, must carry a valid ticket.
- Please keep in mind that the theater does not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.
The Metropolitan Opera HouseRead more
The Metropolitan Opera is one of the most iconic landmarks in the New York skyline. Although the current space was inaugurated in 1966, the opera house has played host to some of the industry’s best compositions since 1883. Owing to the excellent acoustics and vast space, it is lauded for its architectural brilliance and has delighted audiences with several iconic shows like Aida.
The Metropolitan Opera Seating Chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
Address: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza New York, NY 10023
Subway: The nearest subway stations are 59 St-Columbus Circle, 57 St-7 Av, and 72 St on the 2, A, and D lines.
Bus: Lines servicing the area include M104, M5, M57, M66, and M7.
Facilities & accessibility
Available Facilities: Restrooms, restaurant, bar, cloakroom, water fountain
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, accessible seating, assistive listening system, service dogs allowed, visual impairment assistance
Additional information
Security:To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
Dress Code: Smart-casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
Outside Food: While outside food isn't allowed inside, the hotel complex hosts many cafes or restaurants inside for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
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Frequently asked questions about Die Frau Ohne Schatten
How much do Die Frau ohne Schatten tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets typically starts from $35. Prices may vary depending on the day of the event and the type of seats you choose.
Who composed the opera Die Frau ohne Schatten?
Die Frau ohne Schatten was originally composed in German by Richard Strauss.
What age group is the show appropriate for?
Although children are allowed inside the opera house, the content of the show contains strong emotions and themes and may be overwhelming for children. Please use your discretion about the show’s duration and content before making a purchase.
Where is Die Frau ohne Schatten playing in New York?
Performances of the production will begin at The Metropolitan Opera in New York on 29 November 2024.
What is Die Frau ohne Schatten about?
Die Frau ohne Schatten is a mythological epic that follows an Empress from the spirit world as she struggles to save her husband and restore her ability to bear children.
How long is Die Frau ohne Schatten?
The opera covers three acts in approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes, including two intervals.