Christian Thielemann takes over for Daniel Barenboim as conductor of the new RING cycle at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in October

Press release of 30 August 2022

Daniel Barenboim has to cancel his participation in the new production of Richard Wagner's DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN, staged by Dmitri Tcherniakov, for health reasons. Christian Thielemann will take over the musical direction of the first and third cycles. The second cycle will be conducted by Thomas Guggeis.

Daniel Barenboim: "It is with great regret that I have to give up conducting the new RING at the Staatsoper for health reasons. I am still struggling with the consequences of the vasculitis I was diagnosed with in the spring, and with this decision I am following the advice of my attending physicians.

I am deeply saddened not to be able to conduct the new RING. Working with Dmitri Tcherniakov, the great ensemble and the Staatskapelle Berlin is a particularly fulfilling experience for me. However, I must now give priority to my health and concentrate on my complete recovery.

The Staatsoper is very close to my heart. That is why I am very happy that my esteemed colleague Christian Thielemann has agreed to take over the conducting of the first and third cycles at short notice. We have known each other for a long time, and I know that the RING is in extraordinarily good hands with him. Thomas Guggeis, a great young conductor whom I have long supported and appreciated, will take over the second cycle. I wish them and everyone involved all the best with this production."

Matthias Schulz: "It is extreemly sad that Daniel Barenboim cannot conduct the new production of the RING cycle - a unique undertaking that is very close to his heart and that of the entire house. Preparations have been underway for many years, and we have done everything in our power to make the RING with Daniel Barenboim possible - especially in the year of his 80th birthday. We are deeply indebted to Christian Thielemann for taking over the premiere series and the third cycle. Likewise to Thomas Guggeis, who conducts the second cycle and has been involved in the preparations already for almost a year."

DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN
Richard Wagner

Sun 2 October 18.00 Das Rheingold (premiere)
Mon 3 October 16.00 Die Walküre (premiere)
Thu 6 October 16.00 Siegfried (premiere)
Sun 9 October 16.00 Götterdämmerung (premiere)
Conducted by Christian Thielemann

Sat 15 October 18.00 Das Rheingold
Sun 16 October 16.00 Die Walküre
Thu 20 October 16.00 Siegfried
Sun 23 October 16.00 Götterdämmerung
Conducted by Thomas Guggeis

Sat 29 October 18.00 Das Rheingold
Sun 30 October 16.00 Die Walküre
Thu 3 November 16.00 Siegfried
Sun 6 November 16.00 Götterdämmerung
Conducted by Christian Thielemann

The Staatsoper sincerely thanks the Friends and Patrons of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and its main partners BMW and Hilti Foundation for their support.