The final chapter of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen — Gotterdammerung — is performed in Hangzhou. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The final chapter of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen — Gotterdammerung — was performed in Hangzhou on Nov 22, marking a triumphant close to the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra's three-year Ring project.

Conducted by world-renowned maestro Markus Stenz, the concert opera drew a full house at the Hangzhou Grand Theater, with all 1,500 seats across three tiers sold out.

The performance once again sparked strong enthusiasm among classical music lovers, attracting not only local audiences but also fans traveling from other cities.

Stenz, who has led the orchestra's Wagner productions for the past few years, guided the ensemble through 10 days of intensive rehearsals to bring the complex, emotionally charged score to life. His commanding yet nuanced interpretation resulted in a five-hour musical journey of power and precision.

This year's cast featured a blend of returning collaborators and new faces, including star tenor Simon O'Neill, soprano Liu Yanhua, Anna Danik, and the Central Conservatory of Music Choir, alongside Markus Eyher, Zhao Langxu, Edita Haller, Christian Valle, and last-minute stand-ins Yang Li and Mo Shuang. Their dynamic, high-level performances kept the audience enthralled from start to finish.

As the final chord faded and applause surged through the hall, it signaled not only the conclusion of a monumental work, but also another defining moment for Hangzhou's classical music scene.

Star tenor Simon O'Neill performs at the event. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]