Strauss’ ‘Daphne’ in Hamburg

May 18, 2016

Eric Cutler returns to the role of Apollo in Strauss’ Daphne this summer, at the Staatsoper Hamburg. Performances take place June 5, 8, 11, 16, 19 & 23, and feature a spectacular international cast including Agneta Eichenholz in the title role, Peter Lodahl as Leukippos, Wilhelm Schwinghammer as Peneios, and Hanna Schwarz sings Gaea. The Christof Loy staging was first seen at the Theater Basel, and highlights set designs by Annette Kurz and costume designs by Ursula Renzenbrink.

Mr. Cutler’s previous performances in the role at La Monnaie in Brussels were heralded by audiences and critics alike:

“Franc Aleu’s clever video work does the final scene proud. And vocal standards are high. Even perched perilously in that tree, Sally Matthews’ radiant Daphne manages to alternate between ethereal warbling and dramatic force. Eric Cutler’s muscular Apollo shows him successfully graduating to Heldentenor status and Peter Lodahl’s Leukippos and Iain Paterson’s Peneios are stylishly sung…

The chorus sings beautifully, while fears that La Monnaie’s orchestra would come unstuck on such a demanding score prove unfounded. Lothar Koenigs’ marvellous conducting keeps the musicians under tight control in an exhilarating, warmly poetic reading.” -The Financial Times

“[Eric Cutler was] at ease with sustained high tessitura and cutting an impressive figure as Apollo onstage.”
– Classical Voice America

“Eric Cutler offered an impressive, ruggedly heroic vocal portrayal of Apollo, clearly conceived to appeal to this Daphne as a handsome outdoorsy type.”
– Opera

Image: Monika Rittershaus