International star Ann Hallenberg made Artist in Residence at Drottningholms Slottsteater

The 2019 season opens with a two-year collaboration between Drottningholms Slottsteater and mezzo Ann Hallenberg. She has been appointed Artist in Residence and next year will be singing the title role in Ariodanteon this historical stage.

“Ann Hallenberg is one of Sweden’s biggest international opera stars, and we look forward to this collaboration, which promises great artistic experiences in the Drottningholm Court Theatre,” says Sofi Lerström, artistic and managing director at Drottningholms Slottsteater.

As Artist in Residence at Drottningholms Slottsteater for the coming two years, Ann Hallenberg will be in a position to make her artistic mark on the theatre’s productions and share her rich experience of the Baroque repertoire.

To begin the with, Ann Hallenberg will be performing the title role in George Frideric Handel’s opera Ariodante, which will be premiering on 3 August 2019. Ariodantehad its original premiere in 1735 at London’s Covent Garden, and was staged for the first time in Sweden at this very theatre in 1964. Ann Hallenberg has sung many opera roles at Drottningholms Slottsteater, most recently in a concert performance from 2014.

“It feels wonderful to return to Drottningholms Slottsteater with Ariodanteand with such a magnificent artistic team,” she says. “This is by far the best stage on which to sing Baroque opera, and I’ve tried many.”

Ariodantewill be performed by the Drottningholm Theatre Orchestra on period instruments under the direction of the celebrated British conductor Ian Page. The opera is being directed by the internationally renowned and award-winning Nicola Raab, whose work stands out for its vigorous stage direction and visual power. Ariodantewill run from 3–17 August 2019, with tickets on sale from 22 March.

Although Ann Hallenberg is a brilliant international opera star, she still stands somewhat out of the cultural spotlight in Sweden. Her career has taken her to the world’s foremost opera houses, festivals and concert halls, and earned her glowing reviews. She is a lyrical mezzo soprano and specialises in a repertoire of early music, which has made her a name as one of the world’s leading Baroque singers. Ann has made over 40 recordings for CD and DVD, and she is two-time International Opera Award winner in the Best Operatic Recital category.

Ariodante

Premiere 3 August, then performed every other day until 17 August.

Music:George Frideric Handel

Conductor: Ian Page

Director: Nicola Raab

Sets and lighting:Linus Fellbom

Wardrobe: Gesine Völlm

Choreographer: Caroline Finn

Singers: Ann Hallenberg, ChristopheDumaux, Martin Vanberg, Johannes Weisser, Roberta Mameli, Francesca Aspromonte and others.

Dancers.

The Drottningholm Theatre Orchestra.