An Evening with Brünnhilde
Date June 6 June
An Evening with Brünnhilde: Nordic Dreams and Wagnerian Drama – concert in London
Fundraising Concert for the Drottningholm Court Theatre
This unique London concert celebrates the magic of the Drottningholm Court Theatre
The Drottningholm Court Theatre, a world-renowned 18th-century opera house and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located within the Drottningholm Royal Palace just outside Stockholm. Preserved in its entirety — from its original stage machinery to its painted sets and auditorium — it offers a rare opportunity to experience opera as it was in the time of Mozart and Rameau. Due to its historic significance and delicate condition, the theatre’s season is necessarily brief, typically presenting only one production per year with eight performances, yet the music, singing, staging, and costumes are consistently exceptional.
Elisabet Strid, an internationally acclaimed Swedish soprano, has established herself as one of the foremost interpreters of the dramatic operatic repertoire of her generation. With her powerful voice, impeccable technique, and commanding stage presence, she has made a lasting impression on some of the world’s most prestigious opera stages. Her artistry brings the historic magic of Drottningholm vividly to life, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences.
It is precisely this rare combination of artistic excellence and the theatre’s intimate, historic setting that inspires efforts to bring Drottningholm’s magic to audiences beyond Sweden. Discussions are underway for a future collaboration in London, allowing UK audiences to experience this extraordinary heritage in a new context.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Elisabet Strid, whose dedication and artistry support our theatre and ensure that its magic continues to inspire audiences from around the globe.
Från left to right: John Sunderland, Michael Papadopoulos, Elisabet Strid, George Shishkovsky, Sir Antonio Pappano.
The Concert
Duration:approx. 2 hours, including intermission
Date 6 June –St Paul’s Knightsbridge, London
7.30–9.30 pm including intermission
Ticket price: £50
Meet-and greet Including complementary glass of wine or soft drink.
Performers
Soprano: Elisabet Strid
Piano: John Sunderland (London & Drottningholm)
Piano: Michael Papadopoulos (London)
Presenter: George Shishkovsky
Presenter: Sir Antonio Pappano
Programme
Part I
• Scandinavian song repertoire by Grieg, Sibelius, Stenhammar, and others
• Performed by acclaimed Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid (fresh from her Brünnhilde role in the Royal Opera House’s new Ring cycle)
• Accompanied by John Sunderland, piano
• Introduced by George Shishkovsky, wearing an 18th-century costume made at the Drottningholm Theatre
Intermission
Part II
• Operatic highlights from Wagner
• Performed by Elisabet Strid
• Accompanied by Michael Papadopoulos, piano (Kapellmeister at the Volksoper Vienna)
• Introduced by Sir Antonio Pappano (Chief Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and Conductor Laureate of the Royal Opera )