The knights of the Holy Grail are charged with protecting Christendom’s most sacred relic. Yet time after time, these supposedly incorruptible guardians succumb to the pleasures of the flesh, tempted by the enchantress Kundry and the machinations of the evil Klingsor.
Healing and redemption can come only through Parsifal—an innocent youth with the miraculous power to bring salvation to a world that has lost its way.
The sacred and the profane vie for supremacy in this moving and revelatory masterpiece—one of deep psychological power and religious significance.
Sir Andrew Davis conducts the work Claude Debussy called “one of the most beautiful monuments erected to the eternal glory of music.”
John Caird is an internationally renowned director of plays, operas, and musical theater. His work ranges from Shakespeare and Chekhov to celebrated productions including the original Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby, which he co-directed.
New Lyric Opera production generously made possible by an Anonymous Donor, Marlys A. Beider, and the Kenneth L. Harder Trust.
Starring
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Parsifal
Paul Groves
In his highly anticipated role debut as Parsifal, Paul Groves, so arresting in Lyric’s Damnation of Faust, brings “intoxicating vocalism filled with youthful ardor…conviction and clarion brilliance.” Opera News
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Kundry
Daveda Karanas
Looking every inch like the siren Kundry is, Daveda Karanas is hailed for her “capacious power” and “lustrous, exciting voice.” San Francisco Chronicle
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Amfortas
Thomas Hampson
Whether singing Macbeth, Simon Boccanegra, or Amfortas, Thomas Hampson gives audiences “unparalleled artistry…a fearless singer...his ringing baritone always at the service of a penetrating mind.” Boston Globe
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Gurnemanz
Kwangchul Youn
Kwangchul Youn, one of today’s great Wagnerians, makes his long-awaited Lyric debut! “Impeccable diction…musical sensitivity…sonorous timbre…what a noble Gurnemanz!” The Opera Critic
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Parsifal
Paul Groves
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Kundry
Daveda Karanas*
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Amfortas
Thomas Hampson
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Gurnemanz
Kwangchul Youn*
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Klingsor
Tómás Tómasson
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Titurel
Rúni Brattaberg*
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Conductor
Sir Andrew Davis
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Director
John Caird*
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Designer
Johan Engels*
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Lighting Designer
Duane Schuler
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Chorus Master
Michael Black
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Choreographer
Tim Claydon*
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*Lyric Debut
† current member, Ryan Opera Center
† † alumnus/ alumna, Ryan Opera Center