Strauss's «Der Rosenkavalier» returns to the Latvian National Opera
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet in Riga has begun staging Richard Strauss's opera «Der Rosenkavalier», last produced in the building almost a hundred years ago. Director Viesturs Kairišs admits he initially doubted he could cope with the task.
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet in Riga has started presenting composer Richard Strauss's opera «Der Rosenkavalier» (The Rose Knight) to audiences. The work was last staged in the opera house almost a hundred years ago.
The reason for such a long gap is that the opera places heavy demands on the resources of any theatre. It has a huge amount of music spread over three acts, and requires a large orchestra and a big cast of soloists.
Viesturs Kairišs, director of the new production, says that although he likes complicated tasks, he was not sure at first whether he would manage this «hard nut to crack».
Austrian bass singer Greubeck and Czech opera star Pučálkova also discuss the opera «Der Rosenkavalier».
