© PK Fotografie
Leipzig, the city of music and birthplace of Richard Wagner, will once again shine the spotlight on the great composer in both January (15-19) and May (20-25) with Leipzig Opera‘s anticipated revival of the composer’s complete ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen ’ cycle.
The cycle consists of four opera productions, all of which will be performed by the Gewandhausorchester with intendant and general music director of Leipzig Opera, Ulf Schirmer.
The world-famous Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra has been around since the 1700s and is one of the top orchestras worldwide today.
© PK Fotografie
The Ring cycle performances will act as an opening to the 2022 Wagner Festival, during which all 13 of Wagner’s opera works will be performed in chronological order. Music fans need not wait until 2022 for big music celebrations, with many more events this year including Bachfest from 14 to 23 June 2020 and Schumann Festival Week in September.
Whilst in Leipzig visitors can also take time to acquaint themselves with the birthplace of Wagner, be it on a stroll through the historic city centre, or by visiting the permanent Wagner exhibition in the Alte Nikolaischule building, where Wagner was once a student.
Leipzig has a proud musical heritage dating back centuries and was once home to numerous iconic classical composers including Bach, Schumann, and Mendelssohn, as well as Wagner.
Gewandhaus © Andreas Schmidt
Where to stay: Motel One Leipzig-Augustusplatz from only €69 p/person. Located 4 minutes’ walk from Leipzig Opera.
How to get there: Return flights to Berlin from London start from £68 with EasyJet
Book: Leipzig has introduced their ‘Richard Wagner’s “The Ring of the Nibelung“’ package for May date performances. Package includes five night’s accommodation, a guided city tour, tickets to each of the four Wagner performances, a three course lunch with the “Wagner” menu in a leading restaurant and a day trip to the Richard-Wagner-Stätten (Richard Wagner historical site).
