Gabriel Feltz and the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra are preparing for the musical feat of the season — a five-hour performance of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde on Friday, February 7 (Kolarac, 5 PM). Nearly half a century since its last performance, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra will once again bring this masterpiece to life, joined by an outstanding international cast and the Choir of the Serbian National Theatre Opera.

Under the baton of chief conductor Gabriel Feltz, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra continues to push artistic boundaries once more, taking on one of the technically most demanding and challenging words in the operatic repertoire. This marathon concert performance of Wagner’s monumental pieces marks a new artistic milestone for the orchestra. With 110 musicians on stage, 13 rehearsals and 40 hours of preparation dedicated to mastering an astonishing 619-page score, the scale of this production is truly extraordinary.

Performing this masterpiece even once in a lifetime is a privilege for any musician. The score is immense, and the music is absolutely breathtaking — completely new for the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, which is why our rehearsals demand full focus. But for any orchestra in the world, Tristan und Isolde presents a tremendous challenge — mentally, physically, and intellectually. Wagner elevates classical music to an entirely new level, especially in a philosophical sense, says Maestro Gabriel Feltz, chief conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.

The legendary tale of forbidden love will be brought to life by renowned Wagnerians — Heiko Börner as Tristan and Kelly God as Isolde — alongside a stellar cast including Thomas Lehman, Michaela Selinger, and Nicolai Elsberg.

Composed between 1857 and 1859, Wagner’s music drama Tristan und Isolde was first performed in 1865 in Munich. Due to its extraordinary complexity, the score was initially considered impossible to perform. Before its planned world premiere in Vienna in 1864, more than 70 rehearsals were held, only for the performance to be ultimately canceled.

The last time the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra performed Tristan und Isolde was at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival exactly 50 years ago, under the baton of its former chief conductor Živojin Zdravković. Now, this long-awaited return will be led by the orchestra’s current chief conductor — and seasoned Wagner interpreter — Gabriel Feltz, ensuring that this legendary work is in the expert hands.