Featuring performances guided by historically accurate performance practices, the concerts will span across the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Established in 1978 under the auspices of the City of Dresden, the Dresdner Musikfestspiele offers a diverse array of events, including appearances by renowned international orchestras, soloists, and jazz groups. This year's program will showcase the Dresden premiere of Grammy-winning artist Laufey.

Taking place from May 9 to June 9, 2024, the Dresdner Musikfestspiele will shine a spotlight on Wagner’s Die Walküre, performed for the first time with period instruments and in the style envisioned by Wagner himself.

In partnership with the Prague State Opera, the premiere and tour of the concert will feature the Dresden Festival Orchestra, the Concerto Köln ensemble, and conductor Kent Nagano.

Die Walküre, the second installment of Wagner’s The Ring Cycle, follows the successful presentation of Das Rheingold in the 2023 edition of the festival, marking a milestone in the ongoing "Wagner Cycles" project launched in 2021.

The aim of the "Wagner Cycles" project is to annually present a segment of The Ring Cycle using historical instruments and performance techniques of the time, alongside scholarly expertise.

Nagano, Concerto Köln, and a team of scholars have meticulously reconstructed the instrumental, vocal, and linguistic practices of Wagner’s era to offer an authentic rendition. The project is slated to conclude in 2026, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the full performance of The Ring Cycle in Bayreuth.

Following its premiere in Prague on March 9, Die Walküre will tour various venues, including Concertgebouw Amsterdam on March 16, Philharmonie Cologne on March 24, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg on May 1, the opening of the 2024 Dresdner Musikfestspiele on May 9, and the Lucerne Festival on August 21.

The Dresden performance will be complemented by a series of events, including workshops, academic lectures, panel discussions, and instrument presentations.

For concert attendance, visit the provided link.

Jan Vogler, artistic director of Dresdner Musikfestspiele, expressed pride in the project's contribution to a deeper appreciation of Wagner’s music.

Nagano emphasized the exploration of Wagner’s revolutionary orchestral innovations and dramatic expression, aiming to provide a fresh perspective on The Ring Cycle.

A snippet from the 2023 Dresden Music Festival's performance of Das Rheingold is available for viewing below.