The three parts of the overture are almost didactic in their foreshadowing of the major conflicts of the opera: The struggle between pure Christian love and criminal, emotional passion. The overture begins with the exalted melody of the choir of pilgrims, and this motif returns to restore the peace following the sounds of the irrepressible orgy at the grotto of Venus.

The American Robert Dean Smith in the title role made an impressive début in 1997 as Walter von Stolzing in Die Meistersänger von Nürnberg at the Bayreuth Festival. He now sings in the world's top opera houses and concert halls. Gábor Bretz, appearing in the role of Hermann, débuted at La Scala in Milan and at the Salzburg Festival, both in 2007.

He also appeared at La Scala as Bluebeard in the spring of 2008, before travelling to Sydney to sing Don Giovanni. The role of Wolfram will be sung by Estonian Lauri Vasar, the outstanding Wagner, Mozart and Strauss singer Christiane Iven from Germany will play Elisabeth, and Jelena Zhidkova, born in St. Petersberg but now residing in Berlin, will perform as Venus.

Date and time: 19 June 2012, 4.00 pm - 10.00 pm
Venue: Bartók Béla National Concert Hall

For this concert you can buy your tickets in the Palace of Arts’ Ticket Offices, also with vacation vouchers, Edenred Ticket Culture vouchers, Sodexho Pass culture and gift vouchers, Palace of Arts gift vouchers and a SZÉP vacation card.

Prices: 2500, 5900, 10900, 14900, 16900 Ft

Source: Palace of Arts