'Die Frau ohne Schatten' at The Metropolitan Opera

At the end of November and into December, Lise Lindstrom returns to The Metropolitan Opera as Barak’s Wife in Richard Strauss’ Die Frau ohne Schatten.

Highly lauded for her interpretation of the complex and emotionally charged character, she has previously performed this role in Paris, Cologne, and Hamburg. Bachtrack praised her performance, noting: “Lindstrom competed for our loyalty by summoning pathos and sympathy for her frustrated Wife. Her slender voice is enticingly warm in the middle and focused on top. You could easily believe, seeing her suffer so beautifully, why Barak remains besotted with his wife no matter how much she scolds him.”

Herbert Wernicke’s storied production presents Strauss’s grand opera through a bold, abstract visual style that brings its psychological and symbolic dimensions to the forefront. By incorporating the use of reflective surfaces, contrasting lighting, and minimalist geometric shapes, the production creates an otherworldly atmosphere that examines themes of transformation and redemption.

Joining Ms. Lindstrom in the outstanding cast includes Elza van den Heever as the Empress, Russell Thomas as the Emperor, Michael Volle as Barak the Dyer, Nina Stemme as the Nurse, and Ryan Speedo Green as the Messenger of Keikobad, with Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting.

The performances are scheduled for November 29, December 4, 7, 10, 14, and 19.

Photo: Rosie Hardy