Barcelona has become a focal point of the international opera scene this January with the presentation of a new production of Tristan und Isolde at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. At the centre of the project is Lise Davidsen, who has made her world debut as Isolde in a staging that also marks her return to the operatic stage after a period away linked to maternity.
A career-defining debut
Isolde is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and defining roles in the dramatic soprano repertoire. Davidsen has long been associated with Wagner’s music, yet she has consistently underlined the importance of timing when approaching such a role. In a recent interview with Platea Magazine, the soprano explained that she chose to wait until she felt fully prepared, despite interest from several major opera houses. The invitation from the Liceu, she noted, arrived “at exactly the right moment”.
Although this marked her first fully staged Tristan und Isolde, Davidsen was not approaching the role without prior experience. She had previously sung the Act II love duet in concert, conducted by Simon Rattle, allowing her to explore the music in performance before taking on the complete role on stage.
A new production at the Liceu
The new staging is directed by Bárbara Lluch, who approaches Wagner’s drama as an exploration of love conceived as an absolute, almost cosmic force, extending beyond social convention, morality, and ultimately life itself. Rather than focusing on narrative detail, the production seeks to create open, suggestive spaces in which the psychological and emotional dimensions of the work can unfold.
Musical direction
Musical direction is entrusted to Susanna Mälkki, who conducts all seven performances. Under her baton, the score is shaped with close attention to its long dramatic arcs and dense orchestral textures, anchoring the production musically throughout the run.
Cast and performances
The production features two casts for the principal roles. Davidsen sings Isolde on 12, 19, 23, 27, and 31 January, while Elena Pankratova appears in the role on 15 and 25 January. Tristan is sung by Clay Hilley on the same dates as Davidsen, with Bryan Register appearing on 15 and 25 January. The cast also includes Brindley Sherratt as King Marke, Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal, Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangäne — replacing Iréne Theorin, who withdrew due to illness — and Roger Padullés as Melot.
Tristan und Isolde was last seen at the Liceu in 2017, in a production by Àlex Ollé. This new staging marks the opera’s return to one of Spain’s most important Wagnerian stages while situating Barcelona prominently within the current operatic landscape.
Beyond the theatre
The project extends beyond the live performances: on 15 February, the production is scheduled to receive a digital premiere on the Liceu OPERA+ platform, allowing international audiences to encounter Davidsen’s Isolde and the new staging beyond the walls of the theatre.
With a role debut of global interest, a carefully assembled artistic team, and a new production conceived for both stage and screen, the Liceu’s Tristan und Isolde stands as one of the most closely followed operatic events of the season.
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