23.08.2026

DAVID STEFFENS | „Wotans Abschied“ in Millstatt

Having made his debut as Gurnemanz in Wagner’s Parsifal and as Wotan in Das Rheingold over the past two seasons, thereby once again establishing himself as a promising Wagnerian singer of the new generation, David Steffens will now be heard for the first time as Wotan in excerpts from Wagner’s Die Walküre as part of this year’s Millstatt Music Festival. Together with the Vienna Youth Philharmonic, conducted by Michael Lessky, he will sing Wotan’s moving ‘Farewell’ to his daughter Brünnhilde, followed by the Fire Magic, in the Stiftskirche – arguably one of the most moving moments in the entire opera repertoire.

Richard Wagner imbues this farewell with music of profound warmth and great intimacy: anger gives way to reconciliation, severity turns to tenderness. Wotan’s final kiss and the protective circle of fire surrounding Brünnhilde are an expression of a love that endures even in parting … a moment of overwhelming humanity, which is why the evening is so aptly titled ‘Great Emotions’.

Cast

David Steffens, bass
Michael Lessky, conductor
Vienna Youth Philharmonic