Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Wagner’s ‘Die Walküre’, performed by three exceptional soloists under the baton of Wagner specialist Axel Kober, brings to life an unforgettable journey through a world of gods, demigods, mortals, love, and destiny. Stuart Skelton, known for his phenomenal heroic tenor voice, will take on the role of Siegmund, with The Times praising his “noble and heroic” voice. Croatian Ante Jerkunica, described by Forumopera.com as an “excellent Hunding,” will perform the role of Hunding tonight, while German-Italian Anja Kampe, a seasoned Wagner interpreter in major opera houses, completes the stellar trio.

Following the “Vorspiel Das Rheingold, “Die Walküre” is the first installment of one of the greatest musical achievements of all time: the monumental “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” While a single act from “Die Walküre” might seem like a small portion, a Wagnerian act is actually an entire evening’s worth of music. It is an opera in its own right—rest assured, you won’t be left wanting more. Moreover, this particular act is often cited as Wagner’s finest standalone work and is frequently performed on its own.

Wagner specialist Axel Kober is a highly regarded guest conductor at the prestigious Bayreuth Festival. Following sensational successes with the Ring Cycle at the Vienna State Opera, he enjoys an international reputation as one of the most significant Wagnerian interpreters of our time. His profound knowledge of this repertoire guarantees a performance that fully captures the overwhelming drama and intricate layers of “Die Walküre.”

Originally, conductor Jaap van Zweden was scheduled to lead this concert. However, due to health reasons, he has had to cancel the concert series. We are pleased to announce that German conductor Axel Kober has agreed to step in as his replacement. The program remains unchanged, and ticket holders have been notified via email.

Program