Nearly completing the 'ring'

Wagner's epic Ring Cycle returns to the stage at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, bringing to life its legendary myths, heroic journeys and timeless music.

On April 28, 30, and May 2 and 4, the NCPA will present the third installment of this legendary tetralogy, Siegfried, marking the 150th anniversary of Wagner's original premiere and reinforcing the NCPA's commitment to cultivating China's world-class operatic artistry.

The Ring Cycle, or Der Ring des Nibelungen, is no ordinary opera. Composed over 26 years starting in 1848, it is a sweeping saga of gods and mortals, power and passion, nature and destiny. Within this epic, Siegfried occupies a unique place — a bridge between the foreboding prelude of Das Rheingold (The Rhinegold), the heroic tension of Die Walkure (The Valkyrie), and the tragic culmination in Gotterdammerung (Twilight of the Gods).

Siegfried tells the story of the eponymous hero's coming-of-age. Looked after since childhood by the dwarf Mime, Siegfried forges a new weapon from the shards of the sword of his father, Siegmund. After some intellectual high jinks between Mime and the Wanderer, he is taken to slay the dragon Fafner and seize the hoard of gold that includes the ring. Mime plans to poison Siegfried and grab the hoard himself, but when Siegfried finds out, he strikes him down. Siegfried, in turn, learns of Brunnhilde, whom he sets out to free from flames. It is a journey from innocence to courage, from curiosity to awareness, as it explores universal themes of love, betrayal, and the inexorable march of fate.

"This chapter is particularly radiant, full of sunlight and lyricism, even as it carries the weight of myth and history," says Wei Lanfen, director of the NCPA's production department and producer of Siegfried. "Our goal is to offer an experience that is immersive and intellectually and emotionally engaging. We've assembled an international team of artists from 10 countries and designed two intermissions, themed exhibits, and complimentary refreshments to make attending the performance a fully multidimensional experience."

In 2024 and 2025, the NCPA produced and premiered the first two parts of the Ring Cycle. This year, with the grand premiere of the third installment, Siegfried, the NCPA continues by assembling a completely new creative team and producing a distinct stage design, offering audiences a fresh interpretation of the epic work, according to Wei.

To provide a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, the NCPA has continued the arrangements introduced during Die Walkure, with an adjusted start time, two intermissions and complimentary light meals, she adds.

The musical helm of the new production is in the hands of German conductor Markus Bosch, who is celebrated for his deep understanding of Wagner's works. Bosch, who led the NCPA's 2024 production of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, says, "Wagner's music must be understood in its time, yet it also speaks to the present. Siegfried is a story of growth, discovery, and the heroic spirit, and I aim to illuminate both its epic scope and its intimate humanity."

British director Laurence Dale, alongside set and costume designer Gary McCann, brings a visual imagination to the production that balances the grandeur of epic narrative with the subtle beauty of the natural world.

"We are approaching Siegfried as a supernatural adventure," Dale says. "The stage becomes a forest alive with creatures, elemental forces and magic. We aim to create a production that is playful, immersive, and thought-provoking, giving new perspectives on an enduring legend.

"This is my first time directing the Ring Cycle, and it is a completely new experience. We aim to tell Siegfried's story from a fresh perspective. It feels like a supernatural adventure film, full of elves, animals, fire, and other mystical forces. It is a production full of fun, especially working with such an outstanding creative team," Dale adds.

The cast, from eight countries, represents the pinnacle of international Wagner performances, including Danish tenor Magnus Vigilius undertaking the title role, a part renowned for its vocal and dramatic demands, while German soprano Maida Hundeling portrays Brunnhilde, whose brief appearances carry profound narrative weight. Icelandic, Swiss, Estonian, and Chinese artists complete the ensemble.

"This role is like running a musical marathon. It demands endurance, precision, and emotional nuance. Siegfried is not only a hero of physical courage but a character of lyrical depth and emotional sensitivity," says Vigilius, reflecting on the challenges of portraying Siegfried. "Siegfried is a very special role for me. It tests my stamina. He is not a traditional hero."

Wagner's portrayal of Brunnhilde retains many elements of the original myths but adds layers of complexity to her character. In this adaptation, she is depicted not only as a warrior but also as a tragic heroine who grapples with profound existential dilemmas. Her love for Siegfried is portrayed as pure and transcendent, yet it is also fraught with challenges that test her strength.

"I am delighted to return to the NCPA, having previously performed in Turandot. Brunnhilde's stage time is brief but dramatically significant, witnessing Siegfried's birth, growth, and awakening. I love this role for its deep human emotions," says Hundeling.

Icelandic baritone Olafur Sigurdarson plays the role of Alberich, who is the chief of the Nibelungen race of dwarfs and the main antagonist driving events.

"Alberich suits me well — he is like a small elf, and Wagner's story resonates with Icelandic mythology from my homeland. I grew up listening to these magical tales. Every character in this opera is essential; there are no small roles," he says.

The NCPA's Siegfried is more than a single production; it is part of a historic endeavor to present the complete Ring Cycle in China. According to Wei, the final chapter, Gotterdammerung, is scheduled for 2027, completing the tetralogy and promising a landmark cultural event of global significance.

"As the first notes of Siegfried soar, audiences are not merely witnessing a story — they are participating in a living legend, where courage, imagination and the timeless power of music awaken in every heart," says Wei.