In January 2015 the Hong Kong Philharmonic, under their dynamic Music Director Jaap van Zweden, embarked on an exciting journey to produce Der Ring des Nibelungen over four successive seasons. A major cast of international singers, including baritoneMatthias Goerne and mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, took to the stage at the Cultural Centre in Hong Kong for the live concert recording of Das Rheingold. This first release in Wagner’s epic Ring cycle will be released on NAXOS in November. A short clip from the concert can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM9rAAtF1_s  (well worth a listen – the sound is fantastic – Editor)

Wagner’s Ring Cycle is at the pinnacle of our art form. Bringing it for the first time to the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and working together with the orchestra on this great music, will be a central pillar of my tenure as Music Director. I am thrilled that this first instalment, Das Rheingold, has been so faithfully and beautifully captured by the recording team. This release will serve as a document of a cast which would be the envy of any stage in the world, and of a great orchestra, making thrilling music together.

– Jaap van Zweden

January 2016 sees the live concert recording of Die Walküre, with Stuart Skelton as Siegmund, Heidi Melton as Sieglinde, Petra Langas Brünnhilde, Matthias Goerne as Wotan, Michelle DeYoung as Fricka and Falk Struckmann as Hunding. This disc is scheduled for release on Naxos in November 2016.