King Marke has claimed Isolde, princess of a rival kingdom, as his bride. To escort her to his castle, he has sent his knight Tristan. But the King is unaware that when Tristan was once grievously wounded in battle, Isolde healed him – and the two fell in love. Nor is the King aware that Tristan and Isolde, thinking they are escaping their predicament by drinking poison, have actually drunk a love potion…
Tristan und Isolde is a searing portrait of agonised, unstoppable, uncontrollable desire that can end only in death. It’s also one of the most influential works of art in history. From its very first notes, Wagner reshaped music for ever. For everyone on the stage, it is a colossus.
Giordano Bellincampi has assembled an extraordinary cast which could grace any great opera house on earth. Manuela Uhl, playing Isolde, was a massive hit for the Auckland Philharmonia’s performance of Die tote Stadt; Simon O’Neill, that musical force of nature, has sung Tristan at the BBC Proms and Glyndebourne; and Katarina Karnéus’ appearances include the Vienna Philharmonic and Covent Garden. This is a performance not to be missed.
Location
Te wāhi
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Arrive early and explore the surrounding Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, The Civic, Aotea Centre and Q Theatre are all within a few minutes’ walk, with plenty of nearby dining options before or after a show.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Auckland Town Hall sits on Queen Street opposite Aotea Square. Te Waihorotiu Station is around a 2-minute walk away, while Waitematā Station and the ferry terminal are around a 17–20 minute walk down Queen Street. Frequent bus services stop nearby, and The Civic Car Park provides convenient parking close to the venue.
For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
He pārongo atu anō