Jan van Gilse: Helga von Stavern

Because of his opera Thijl (1940) Jan van Gilse now counts as The Netherlands's most important opera composer but he would not find recognition until 35 years after his tragic death in 1944. His first opera Helga von Stavern failed to make it to any stage because of the bizarre Marxist-political libretto. 401Concerts 4 (18 December 2016 in the OBA Concert Hall The Hague - Spui) will bring the reprise of Helga's monologue 'Ist es denn wahr?', in which the Götterdämmerung Brünnhilde blends with Elektra. Additionally we will bring the world premiere of the final duet between Haron and Helga, with bass-baritone Andreas Goetze and soprano Barbara Schilstra. Helga's monologue from the earlier concert is available in the creation of Jolien De Gendt via 401Concerts 3 download. The creations of Schilstra and Goetze shall be made available as 401Concerts 4 download from December 20 onwards.