HYBRID SACD4+DVD
This live recording of Wagner’s opera Parsifal comes from a memorable concert that took place in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam in December 2010. It is performed by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Choir and conductor Jaap van Zweden. The cast includes tenor Klaus Florian Vogt in the title role, celebrated bass Robert Holl as Gurnemanz, bassbaritone Falk Struckmann as Amfortas, and soprano Katarina Dalayman as Kundry. The set also includes a bonus DVD featuring video footage of highlights from the performance.
Although first conceived in 1857, Parsifal ended up being Wagner’s last opera production at Bayreuth in 1882. The story is loosely based on the legend of the Arthurian knight Sir Percival and his quest for the Holy Grail.
Born in Amsterdam in 1960, Jaap Van Zweden began his musical career as a violinist, becoming at 19 the youngest ever concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
In 1997, van Zweden made the decision to conduct full time, and was named the chief conductor of the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra where he remained until 2003. In 2000, he added the music directorship of the Residentie Orchestra of The Hague to his credits, a post he held until 2005. Jaap van Zweden began his third season as music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra last year. His commitment to the orchestra was recently extended through the 2015-16 season.
Artists
Falk Struckmann (Amfortas), Klaus Florian Vogt (Parsifal), Ante Jerkunica (Titurel), Robert Holl (Gurnemanz), Krister St. Hill (Klingsor), Katarina Dalayman (Kundry), Brenden Gunnell (Erster Gralsritter), Thilo Dahlmann (Zweiter Gralsritter), Julia Westendorp (Erster Knappe), Cécile van de Sant (Zweiter Knappe), Jeroen de Vaal (Dritter Knappe), Pascal Pittie (Vierter Knappe) & Anna Stephany (Eine Stimme von oben)
Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Choir & State Male Choir "Latvija", Jaap van Zweden