Director and stage designer Pier'Alli (middle) in rehearsal
Photo by Gao Shang / chncpa.org

The first performance of Wagner's Tannhauser was given in Dresden in 1845. Wagner substantially amended the opera for a special 1861 performance by the Paris Opéra, in which he inserted a ballet into the score, according to the traditions of the house. Wagner agreed to this condition since he believed that a success at the Opéra represented his most significant opportunity to re-establish himself following his exile from Germany. This revision forms the basis of what is now known as the "Paris version" of Tannhauser. NCPA's production of Tannhauser follows the tradition of Wagner's favourite Dresden version.

Tannhauser's crew in run-throughs
Photo by Gao Shang / chncpa.org

NCPA's production of Wagner's Tannhauser will kick off its Opera Festival 2016 on April 6. Recently, the performers of this production have been busy rehearsing under the instructions of director and stage designer Pier'Alli.

NCPA Oprea Director and Chief Conductor Lu Jia (middle) in the rehearsal
Photo by Gao Shang / chncpa.org

Dancers in rehearsal
Photo by Gao Shang / chncpa.org

N.B.: In order for the audience to catch the bus and subway train after the show, all opera performances at NCPA will start at 7 p.m. from April 6, which is half an hour earlier than the original time at 7:30 p.m.