The kingdom’s fate rests in capturing a coveted magic ring, with gods and dragons battling over it. Not “Lord of the Rings,” but probably one of its inspirations.
Richard Wagner’s epic four-part opera series known as “The Ring Cycle” continues at the Atlanta Opera this season, with the staging of part two: “Die Walküre,” the most popular of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
You might recognize the music with its thunderous cadences from this opera’s unforgettable “Ride of the Valkyries,” which has appeared in such varying places as “Apocalypse Now” and Loony Tunes animated “What’s Opera, Doc?”
Staging this work has been described by artistic director Tomer Zvulun as akin to “climbing Mount Everest.” The Atlanta Opera’s “Die Walküre” production is on stage at the Cobb Energy Center from April 27 through May 5.
Director Tomer Zvulun joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes and soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer, who sings the role of Brünhilde, to discuss the opera.
