The New York Philharmonic continues its 2015-16 season with an anticipated performance by bass-baritone Eric Owens and Heidi Melton at Lincoln Center. Beginning tonight, Friday, at 8 p.m. the duo will perform a program of extracts from Wagner's Die Walküre and selections of orchestral works by Strauss and Sibelius.
Eric Owens takes on his Artist-in-Residence with great stride as his voice careens over the NY Philharmonic and their interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. Selections to be performed include Sibelius' "En Saga," Strauss' "Cäcilie," Op. 27, No. 2," "Ruhe, meine Seele, Op. 27, No. 1" and "Pilgers Morgenlied, Op. 33, No. 4" and Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" and final scene from Act III of Die Walküre.
The program will be featured at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, where the performance will mark Mr. Owens' first time singing Wotan in New York City.
Mr. Owens, if you aren't in the know, has been written up extensively for his mastery of German Romantic works as well has having a beautiful and unparalleled voice.
Alan Gilbert, music director of the NY Philharmonic commented on Owens in a press release:
"Eric is the quintessential Wotan, His voice is perfect for the role, and he can bring out its complexity - its heroism, but also its vulnerability. Performing it without staging can be a challenge, but Eric's singing is so expressive that he will bring the character to life through his voice alone."
He continued, "In this he will be helped by the Philharmonic musicians, who can play Wagner's technically difficult passages not only with flair but also with amazing tonal depth. Conducting Wagner with this Orchestra is more than a dream-come-true; they have a quintessential way with his music."
The program begins tonight and will also be featured Saturday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. as well as Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase your tickets here and in the meantime, preview the NY Phil below.
