Lothar Koenigs to make Zurich début following WNO Pelléas triumph
02.06.15Lothar Koenigs is to make his debut at the Zürich Opera this month, conducting Strauss’s Elektra with Evelyn Herlitzius in the title role. This follows the triumph of Welsh National Opera’s new production of Pelléas et Mélisande, directed by David Pountney, which opened in Cardiff on May 29. The musical performance has been especially singled out for critical praise:
‘The last time WNO staged Pelléas it was conducted by Pierre Boulez. Koenigs is just as adept at conjuring hollow, spine-chilling textures, and far more impassioned about projecting the music’s decadent yet alluring emotions.’
Richard Morrison, The Times, 1 June 2015
‘Lothar Koenigs conducted a magnificently full-blooded account of this inexhaustible score, its rippling tides and undercurrents brought to a great swell of Wagnerian intensity in the fourth act. The orchestra played it all sumptuously.’
Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph 1 June 2015
‘The palm, though, must go to Welsh National Opera’s orchestra and conductor Lothar Koenigs, who carefully explore with the expressive range of one of the most magical of all operatic scores.’
George Hall, The Guardian 1 June 2015
‘From the very start, Lothar Koenigs (also a great Wagnerian) hits this target of locating every detail in musical space……I’ve rarely heard playing of such angelic perfection, such faultless balance and timing……Koenigs is superb at feeling this togetherness of the voice and the orchestra…..One might be listening to the work as Debussy heard it in his head. I can’t think of any higher praise.’
Stephen Walsh, The Arts Desk 1 June 2015