Tristan and Isolde - Richard Wagner
(Isolde Project), Krzysztof Penderecki European Music Centre, Poland, August 31, 2019.
The Claude Heater Foundation recently reunited the singers in the title roles – Roy Cornelius Smith (Tristan), Juyeon Song (Isolde,) Tamara Gallo (Brangäne), Brian Davis ( Kurwenal ), John Paul Huckle ( King Mark ), Alexander Kaimbacher ( Melot, Shephard, young Sailor ) and video artist Naomie Kremer with Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra
– as they presented Tristan und Isolde concert performance to an even greater success, at the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Poland on August 31, 2019. The production triumphed under the baton of internationally recognized European Maestro Robert Reimer who has conducted with Bayerische Staatsoper, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Royal Danish Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, and others. Under his leadership, the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra played Wagner’s music for the first time magnificently, receiving an overwhelming, standing ovation from the audience. This receding was recorded and will be released by PARMA Recordings in November 2020, distributed through Naxos, which is also being submitted as consideration for the 2021 GRAMMY Awards.
"Maestro Robert Reimer’s controlled way of conducting with passion, integrity to the music and Noble elegance led to the excellence in the finished performance. Roy Cornelius Smith (Tristan) is a remarkable Heldentenor who doesn't have to screech or shriek to dominate a large orchestra. He sang in good balance with his Isolde (Juyeon Song) who is rapidly becoming "the" Isolde of today. The end was greeted with a total spellbound silence before the whole audience spontaneously rose to its feet and burst into rapturous applause with many faces still tear-stained from Isolde’s Liebestod. A remarkable achievement. I have seen 18 performances of Tristan and Isolde – this is the one I will never forget.” – Oliver Macdonald, opera correspondent, Vienna Opera Blog, Austria.,