Mortals and myths

The performance will be conducted by Inkinen, an esteemed conductor known for his profound affinity for Wagner's works. In 2023, he conducted The Ring Cycle at the Bayreuth Festival, the prestigious German opera festival famous for performing Wagner's works. In 2013 and 2016, he also conducted it with Opera Australia.

"The Valkyrie holds immense significance for me," says the conductor. "Although I have conducted it on many stages, such as the Bayreuth Festival, this is my first time presenting it in China. It's also my first collaboration with the NCPA, and I can't wait to see this production come to life.

"Wagner poured deep love into his music, conducting a profound exploration of the human soul," he adds.

One of the most iconic scenes in Wagner's The Valkyrie occurs in the third act, where eight Valkyries ride their horses through a stormy sky, preparing to carry fallen warriors to Valhalla, the legendary hall. The music is exhilarating and powerful, with its fast-paced, thunderous rhythms and soaring brass section evoking the sounds of galloping horses and a dramatic, violent storm. This scene has become so famous that it is often used in films, television and other media to replicate themes of battle, heroism and energy.

With Italian director Livermore, the striking imagery of this iconic scene will be brought to life in the upcoming NCPA production.

"I believe even Wagner himself would be stunned by everything happening on the stage today," says Inkinen.

"This work contains profound love and represents humanity's exploration of the deepest layers of the soul. In creating this production, we've employed many high-tech methods but the technology serves the piece by allowing the audience to experience the same emotional impact that this work has on our souls," says Livermore, who previously collaborated with the NCPA on Leo Delibes' opera Lakme.