René Pape returns to Semperoper Dresden as Sarastro

René Pape returns to the Semperoper Dresden to star as Zarastro in Josef E. Köpplinger’s new production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. One of opera’s most beloved fables, the premiere will take place on November 1, 2020, with Omer Meir Wellber at the podium of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden. The production features an exquisite cast, including Nikola Hillebrand in her debut as Queen of the Night, Tuuli Takala as Pamina, Joseph Dennis as Tamino, and Sebastian Wartig as Papageno.

A significant role that has served him well throughout his career, Pape was Kenneth Branagh’s choice as Sarastro in his film adaptation of the opera, and in 1991 he achieved international fame for his interpretation under Sir Georg Solti. Purchase links and more information about Pape’s recordings of Die Zauberflöte are available via his Recordings