Iréne Theorin

On 20 September, Iréne Theorin begins her 2018/19 season with a role debut as Ortrud in David Alden’s new production of Lohengrin at Opera Vlaanderen. Performances are conducted by Alejo Pérez and Theorin is joined by fellow cast members Craig Colclough, Zoran Todorovich and Liene Kinča.

This season, Theorin returns to Gran Teatre del Liceu to make a further debut in the title role La Gioconda as well as returning to Wiener Staatsoper as Brünnhilde in The Ring Cycle. Further appearences include Turandot at Teatro Real Madrid and New National Theatre Tokyo, Brünnhilde Die Walküre in Napoli and Seoul and Brünnhilde Götterdämmerung in Leipzig.

Last season, Theorin appeared as Brünnhilde The Ring Cycle at Wiener Staatsoper and San Francisco Opera. Audiences in Spain saw her triumph as Isolde at Gran Teatre del Liceu, a role that served as a vehicle for her in Buenos Aires, alongside Daniel Barenboim and Staatskapelle Berlin. Other highlights include the title role of Elektra in Stockholm as well as recital appearances in Barcelona and Stockholm and the Birgit Nillson 100th anniversary concert in Gothenburg.

Craig Colclough returns to Opera Vlaanderen this autumn following his acclaimed house debut in the title role of Falstaff earlier this year. Further highlights of Colclough’s 2018/19 season include his Oper Frankfurt debut as Fra Melitone in La Forza del Destino, a further debut with Opera Queensland, and a return to Los Angeles Opera singing the role of Peter Hänsel und Gretel.

Performances of Lohengrin continue until 23 October. Click here for more information.

Iréne Theorin joins Daniel Barenboim and the Berliner Staatsoper in Argentina this month to star in Tristan und Isolde in two performances at Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires, on 18 and 22 July 2018. Theorin sings Isolde in Harry Copper’s production alongside Peter Seiffert, Kwangchul Youn, Boaz Daniel and Angela Denoke.

Earlier this season Theorin returned to Gran Teatre del Liceu to sing Isolde and Royal Swedish Opera to perform the title role of Elektra, as well as singing Brünnhilde at Deutsche Oper am Rhein and Wiener Staatsoper. She also stepped in at short notice to sing Brünnhilde in her long awaited return to San Francisco Opera for their revival of Francesca Zambello’s production of the Ring Cycle conducted by Donald Runnicles.

One of Theorin’s signature roles, her appearances in the role of Isolde at Gran Teatre del Liceu were critically acclaimed:

“The Swedish soprano Iréne Theorin - the unforgettable Brünnhilde of past seasons - embroidered a superb, powerful Isolde, with each line worked with a chisel, and which reached the final Liebestod with lungs swollen with magic”
El Mundo

"Iréne Theorin has never been a disappointment, and practically owns the role of Isolde.”
Metropolitan Barcelona

Upcoming highlights for Theorin include title role of Turandot at Teatro Real and New National Theatre Tokyo, her debut in the title role of La Gioconda at Gran Teatre del Liceu, and a role debut as Ortrud in Lohengrin at Opera Vlaanderen.

On 13 June Iréne Theorin returns to San Francisco Opera to sing Brünnhilde in Francesca Zambello’s production of The Ring Cycle. Theorin is joined by fellow cast members Greer Grimsley, Daniel Brenna, Karita Mattila, Brandon Jovanovich and Jamie Barton, with Donald Runnicles in the pit.

One of the most acclaimed Brünnhildes of today, Theorin's performances have garnered universal critical acclaim:

"... the unforgettable Brünnhilde, Irene Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhildes in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."
Opera Online

"The best thing of the whole Ring was being able to fully count on count on Iréne Theorin... the Swedish soprano is a force of nature... It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo

"Brünnhilde was played by Swedish soprano Irene Theorin, who gave a powerful and convincing performance... The biggest ovations of the night were for her"
Seen and Heard International

This season Theorin returned to Gran Teatre del Liceu to sing Isolde Tristan und Isolde and Royal Swedish Opera to sing title role Elektra, as well as singing Brünnhilde at Deutsche Oper am Rhein and Wiener Staatsoper.

Upcoming highlights for Theorin include Isolde Tristan und Isolde with Daniel Barenboim and Staatsoper Berlin at Teatro Colon, title role Turandot at Teatro Real and New National Theatre Tokyo, her debut in the title role La Gioconda at Gran Teatre del Liceu, and a role debut as Ortrud Lohengrin at Opera Vlaanderen.

Performances of The Ring Cycle run until 1 July.

Iréne Theorin joins Kjell Ingebretsen and the Gothenburg Opera Chorus and Orchestra for a celebration of the 100th birthday of legendary Swedish dramatic soprano Birgit Nilsson on 17 May 2018. Fellow soloists include Nina Stemme, Christina Nilsson, Matilda Paulsson and Elisabet Strid.

This season Theorin returned to Gran Teatre del Liceu to sing Isolde Tristan und Isolde and Royal Swedish Opera to sing title role Elektra, as well as singing Brünnhilde at Deutsche Oper am Rhein and Wiener Staatsoper.

Future highlights for Theorin include title role Turandot at Teatro Real and New National Theatre Tokyo, her debut in the title role La Gioconda at Gran Teatre del Liceu, and a role debut as Ortrud Lohengrin.

Iréne Theorin returns to Wiener Staatsoper this month to sing Brünnhilde in the Ring Cycle, which begins with Die Walküre on 8 April 2018. The cycle is directed by Sven-Eric Bechtolf and conducted by Adam Fischer.

One of the most acclaimed Brünnhildes of today, Theorin's performances have garnered universal critical acclaim:

"... the unforgettable Brünnhilde, Irene Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhilde in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."
Opera Online

"The best thing of the whole Ring was being able to fully count on count on Iréne Theorin... the Swedish soprano is a force of nature... It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo

"Brünnhilde was played by Swedish soprano Irene Theorin, who gave a powerful and convincing performance... The biggest ovations of the night were for her"
Seen and Heard International

Future highlights include appearances as Ortrud Lohengrin, title role Turandot, title role La Gioconda and Brünnhilde The Ring Cycle.

The Ring Cycle continues on 11 April with Siegfried, Götterdämmerung and a further performance of Die Walküre on 15 and 22 April.

Iréne Theorin returns to Royal Swedish Opera this month to star as Elektra in Steffan Valdemar Holm's production, opening on 10 January 2018. The production is conducted by Simone Young.

This production follows her sensational return to Gran Teatre del Liceu as Isolde Tristan und Isolde which was received with critical acclaim:

“The spectators of the Liceu demanded Iréne Theorin, cheering her name… A delirium was created about Tristan and Isolde... And not only for the merits of the extraordinary Swedish singer, but for her metaphysical and moving version of 'Liebestod' in the opera's conclusion… Iréne Theorin served as helmsman on this voyage… Iréne Theorin bewitched us. And it was fair to claim her by her name. Iréne or Isolde, both are one in the identification exercise that caused an uproar in the Liceu. The navigating and the climbing of Tristan and Isolde is not easy. It requires attention, concentration, physical effort and intellectual commitment, but the difficulties of the ascent are the stimulus that predispose us to the sublime vision of the top. There, Irene Theorin became disembodied or undid the earthly bonds. She disappeared into the "procés… Iréne, Iréne, Iréne", shouted the spectators to claim Theorin…”
El Pais, December 2017

A hugely acclaimed interpreter of Strauss’ works, Theorin has distinguished herself as one of the most engaging Elektras today:

"Swedish dramatic soprano Iréne Theorin fitted the bill magnificently... Theorin slowly and assuredly develops and moulds the character of Elektra tightly controlling her emotions and expressions while at the same time playing the waiting and psychological game for her moment of revenge..."
Opera Critic

"Theorin was nothing short of miraculous. [...] Her high notes, while never shrill, had a colour that consistently declared that something terrible was destined to happen. Both vocally and physically, Theorin was a pillar of artistic strength. In phrase after phrase, she hurled out razor-sharp, blazing highs with a power and purpose declaring that Elektra was determined to get her way in the end."
Classical Voice America

Later this season Theorin returns to Wiener Staatsoper as Brünnhilde in The Ring Cycle. Further ahead she makes appearances as Ortrud Lohengrin, title role Turandot, title role La Gioconda and Brünnhilde The Ring Cycle.

Performances of Elektra continue until 4 February.

On 1 December 2017, Intermusica's Digital Marketing Manager, Florence Eves, will speak at the Arts Marketing Association’s Digital Day at the Barbican Centre. Presenting the re-branding of soprano Iréne Theorin, Florence will explain how the team harnessed the power of a small group of super-fans to create an award-winning website and unique online presence.

Also appearing in the ‘Digital Adventures in Meaningful Relationships’ session will be speakers from CARBON:Imagineering, Birmingham Museums Trust and Scottish Ballet.

Read more on the Arts Marketing Association website.  

Iréne Theorin makes her return to Gran Teatro del Liceu on 28 November 2017 to star as Isolde in Wagner Tristan und Isolde. In a production designed by La Fura dels Baus and conducted by Josep Pons, Theorin is joined by fellow cast members Stefan Vinke, Albert Dohmen and Sarah Connolly.

Recognised as one of the world’s great Wagnerians, Theorin’s recent highlights include Brünnhilde in The Ring Cycle at the New National Theatre Tokyo, Oper Leipzig and Müpa Budapest; a sensational role debut as Die Färberin Die Frau ohne Schatten at Staatsoper Berlin and the title role of Turandot at the Macerata Opera Festival.

One of Theorin's signature roles, her appearances in the role of Isolde at Wiener Staatsoper garnered great critical acclaim:

"Singing her first Isolde at the State Opera, Iréne Theorin exceeded already high expectations in all respects. Looking stunningly feminine and glamorous, the Swedish soprano gives the impression that the role requires no physical effort at all - allowing vocalism and stage work to blend seamlessly."
Opera Critic, January 2015

This season Theorin returns to the Royal Swedish Opera to sing the title role of Elektra and Wiener Staatsoper as Brünnhilde in The Ring Cycle. Further ahead she makes appearances as Ortrud Lohengrin, title role Turandot, title role La Gioconda and Brünnhilde The Ring Cycle.

Intermusica, in collaboration with Redwire, has won an ‘Outstanding Website’ award from the WebAwards 2017 for the creation of irenetheorin.com.

Founded in 1997, the WebAward program is the longest-running annual competition dedicated to naming the best websites across 96 industries, while setting the standard of excellence for all website development.

The winning site, irenetheorin.com, (the official fan-site of soprano Iréne Theorin), was described as "clean and outstanding … well executed and exciting” by the jury. The site received scores well above industry average in all categories, including design, innovation, content and copywriting.

As well as acting as a key marketing tool for Iréne Theorin, and providing rich media materials for fans, journalists and promoters, the website uniquely showcases the soprano’s illustrious 30+year career, via an engaging timeline of ‘artefacts’ and an interactive backstage area where fans can submit their own favourite memories.

Other winners in the WebAwards Music category were www.celinedion.com and www.lukebryan.com. 

In 2016, Intermusica’s own website, intermusica.co.uk, won multiple awards for its design, including coveted Webby and Pixel awards.

Iréne Theorin returns to Leipzig from 29 June 2017 to star as Brünnhilde in Oper Leipzig's revival of Wagner's Ring Cycle. Conducted by Ulf Schirmer and directed by Rosamund Gilmore, Theorin joins a cast that also includes Jurgen Linn, Christian Franz and Nicole Piccolomini.

One of the most acclaimed Brünnhildes of today, Theorin's performances have garnered universal critical acclaim:

"... the unforgettable Brünnhilde, Irene Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhilde in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."
Opera Online

"The best thing of the whole Ring was being able to fully count on count on Iréne Theorin... the Swedish soprano is a force of nature... It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo

"Brünnhilde was played by Swedish soprano Irene Theorin, who gave a powerful and convincing performance... The biggest ovations of the night were for her"
Seen and Heard International

Die Walküre is performed on 29 June and Siegfried on 1 July.

Iréne Theorin joins the LA Philharmonic and conductor Philippe Jordan at Walt Disney Concert Hall on 28 April 2017 for a concert of excerpts from The Ring Cycle. The programme consists of some of the most famous pieces from Wagner’s Ring, including "Ride of the Valkyries" and Brünnhilde's "Immolation Scene".

Theorin is recognised as one of the world’s greatest Wagnerians, and her performances having garnered universal critical acclaim:

“The best thing for the whole Ring was being able to fully count on Iréne Theorin... the Swedish soprano is a force of nature... It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo

"... the unforgettable Brünnhilde, Irene Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhilde in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."
Opera Online

"Singing her first Isolde at the State Opera, Iréne Theorin exceeded already high expectations in all respects. Looking stunningly feminine and glamorous, the Swedish soprano gives the impression that the role requires no physical effort at all - allowing vocalism and stage work to blend seamlessly."
Opera Critic

“Her gleaming tone […] Her impassioned intensity and the nobility of her phrasing […]. A born actress, she movingly conveyed Brünnhilde’s transition from a warrior maiden mortified by the loss of her godhood to a vulnerable woman hopelessly in love.”
New York Times

Iréne Theorin makes her highly anticipated role debut as Die Färberin in R. Strauss Die Frau ohne Schatten at the Berliner Staatsoper on 9 April 2017. Zubin Mehta conducts Claus Guth’s production, which won Best Opera at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards 2015 following its Royal Opera House premiere in 2014.

A hugely acclaimed interpreter of Strauss’ works, Theorin has distinguished herself as one of the most engaging Elektra today::

"Swedish dramatic soprano Iréne Theorin fitted the bill magnificently... Theorin slowly and assuredly develops and moulds the character of Elektra tightly controlling her emotions and expressions while at the same time playing the waiting and psychological game for her moment of revenge..."
Opera Critic

"Theorin was nothing short of miraculous. [...] Her high notes, while never shrill, had a colour that consistently declared that something terrible was destined to happen. Both vocally and physically, Theorin was a pillar of artistic strength. In phrase after phrase, she hurled out razor-sharp, blazing highs with a power and purpose declaring that Elektra was determined to get her way in the end."
Classical Voice America

Her engagements following this debut include the Ring Cycle at Wiener Staatsoper and the Budapest Opera Festival, Isolde with the Sao Paolo Symphony Orchestra and at Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, Turandot at the Macerata Opera Festival, Elektra at Royal Swedish Opera and concert performances of Strauss Four Last Songs with Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse at the Peralada Festival.

Die Frau ohne Schatten runs from 9 to 16 April.

Dramatic soprano Iréne Theorin has launched a new website: www.irenetheorin.com.

The site, which went live in early January, was created in collaboration with designers and developers Redwire, portrait photographer Chris Gloag and Intermusica. The device-responsive website has multiple areas of interactivity and animation to engage the user, and uses stunning never-seen-before photography of Iréne.

There is also a dedicated fan area, ‘Backstage’, where enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their own photographs and films of Iréne, and explore the soprano’s personal memories from her life and career. Users can subscribe to a regular newsletter which includes notifications of tickets going on sale, amongst other news. The first 50 people to sign up to the newsletter will receive bespoke autograph cards with a hand-penned message from Iréne.

Within the first month of launching, the site has had visitors from over 30 different countries. Read some reaction from her fans below:

“I really love it! It is fun, user-friendly, and very informative (I had no idea she had so many concerts and recitals planned for the next months). The pictures are great. The whole thing really matches Iréne's public and artistic personality.” Jérémy, via email

“Diva...I just received an email about your new website and had a look. All I can say is WOW!! It totally does you justice, LOVE IT!” Blair, via Facebook

Iréne Theorin returns to Oper Leipzig this month to star as Brünnhilde in their revival of Rosamund Gilmore's production of Die Walküre from 8 January 2016. Theorin also sung the role in the production's first run in May 2015, and returns alongside original cast members Runi Brattaberg (Hunding) and Magdalena Hinterdobler (Ortlinde). The cast also includes Burkhard Fritz as Siegmund and Simone Schneider as Sieglinde, and the production is conducted by Ulf Schirmer.

Theorin is widely acclaimed for her celebrated performances as Brünnhilde, and has sung it at major houses all around the world:

"The best thing of the whole Ring was being able to fully count on Iréne Theorin... the Swedish soprano is a force of nature... It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo, March 2016

"... the unforgettable Brünnhilde, Iréne Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhilde in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."
Opera Online, March 2016

"Brünnhilde was played by Swedish soprano Irene Theorin, who gave a powerful and convincing performance... The biggest ovations of the night were for her"
Seen and Heard International, March 2016

Following her performance in Leipzig, Theorin sings Schoenberg Gurre Lieder at the Festival Internacional de Música de Canarias. Other highlights this season include Die Färberin in Strauss Die Frau ohne Schatten at Staatsoper im Schiller Theater and a concert showcasing ‘The Best of Wagner’s Ring’ with the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Iréne Theorin opens her 2016/17 season in Tokyo, where she sings Brünnhilde in Die Walküre at the New National Theatre from 2 October 2016. One of the foremost Wagnerian sopranos of her generation, last season Theorin performed the role in a production of Götterdämmerung at the Gran Teatre del Liceu and in the full Ring Cycle with Staatsoper Berlin, to great acclaim.

With El mundo referring to her as a ‘force of nature’, after Theorin’s performance of Götterdämmerung at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Opera Online praised her as "... the unforgettable Brünnhilde, Irene Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhilde in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."

There are further performances on 5, 8, 12, 15 and 18 October. Later this season, Theorin reprises Brünnhilde at Oper Leipzig under the baton of Ulf Shirmer and also makes an eagerly anticipated debut as Färeberin Die Frau ohne Schatten at Staatsoper Berlin.

Iréne Theorin reprises the title role of Puccini Turandot at the Festival Internacional de Musica Castell de Peralada from 6 August 2016. Under the baton of Giampaolo Bisanti, Theorin stars alongside Andrea Mastroni as Altoum, Roberto Aronica as Calaf and Maria Katzavara as Liù. A second performance on 8 August can be watched live on Catalonia Music.

Theorin has performed the role in international houses including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Fondazione Arena di Verona, Bayerische Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera House Muscat and the Royal Danish Opera.

“Iréne Theorin perfectly captures Turandot’s icy allure, and her voice is possessed of a directness and vibrancy that pierces the heart just as much as it chills the bones.”
Music OMH, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, March 2014

Theorin opens her season 2016/17 singing Brünnhilde Die Walkure at the New National Theatre Tokyo, a role which she later reprises at Oper Leipzig. She returns to the role of Turandot with the Macerata Opera Festival at the Sferisterio di Macerata stadium in June 2017.

One of the most celebrated Brünnhilde of our times, Iréne Theorin returns to Staatsoper im Schiller Theater in Berlin on 12 June for Wagner’s Ring Cycle conducted by Daniel Barenboim. Theorin and Barenboim have previously worked together for Ring Cycles in Berlin and Teatro alla Scala.

Most recently Theorin gave a sensational performance of the role in a new production of Götterdämmerung which concluded the new Ring Cycle presented at Gran Teatre del Liceu:

“The best thing of the whole Ring was being able to fully count on count on Iréne Theorin... the Swedish soprano is a force of nature... It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo, March 2016

"... the unforgettable Brünnhilde of Irene Theorin. Voice, power, scenic commitment and understanding of the role places the Swedish soprano among the best Brünnhilde in the world, if not the best. Her final scene will be remembered by all for many years."
Opera Online, March 2016

Next season Theorin will return to Staatsoper Berlin to make a highly anticipated role debut as Färberin in Strauss’ Die Frau ohne Schatten.

The first cycle opens on 11 June, with performances 12, 15 and 19 June, and the second cycle can be heard on 25, 26, 30 June and 2 July. For more information visit the Berliner Staatsoper website.

Intermusica is thrilled to announce the signing of Swedish dramatic soprano Iréne Theorin for worldwide management, excluding Sweden and Italy.

Commenting on her signing, Theorin said: “I am very excited to be joining Intermusica and all of the creative force it has to offer. I am certain that our work together will only enhance my artistic path as well as my personal and professional goals."

One of the most celebrated dramatic sopranos of today, Iréne Theorin is a regular guest at opera houses and concert venues across the world, where her Strauss and Wagner interpretations have won major critical and public acclaim. A graduate of the Music Academy and Royal Opera School in Copenhagen, Theorin has performed at Teatro alla Scala, Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Berliner Staatsoper, Staatsoper Vienna, Salzburg Festival, Bayerische Staatsoper, Opera de Paris, Semperoper Dresden and at Bayreuth Festival.

Particularly associated with German dramatic repertoire, she has garnered huge acclaim for her intense musicality, engaging performances and vocal flexibility. Recent engagements include Brünnhilde the Ring Cycle (La Scala, Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Washington National Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Berliner Staatsoper, the Wagner Festival in Budapest, Oper Leipzig, Oper Köln and New National Theatre Tokyo), Isolde Tristan und Isolde (Bayreuth Festival, Théâtre de la Monnaie, Washington National Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Tokyo, Berlin, Copenhagen), Elektra (Salzburg Festival, Opéra de Paris), Turandot (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Essen, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Guangzhou, Dresden, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Metropolitan Opera New York, Bayerische Staatsoper and Arena di Verona) and Santuzza Cavalleria Rusticana (The Royal Danish Theatre, Copenhagen and The Mikhailovsky Theatre).

Her recent performance as Brünnhilde in Robert Carsen’s production of Götterdämmerung at Gran Teatre del Liceu was met with unanimous public and critical praise:

“The best thing of the whole Ring was being able to fully count on Iréne Theorin… the Swedish soprano is a force of nature. [Brünnhilde’s] immolation scene, so difficult after several hours of representation, was sung in front of the black curtain with no scenic support… Iréne managed to get time to stand still… [when] the orchestra linked the leitmotiv of love culminating in the beautiful A Flat, the theatre collapsed. It was the successful culmination of a prolonged ecstasy."
El Mundo, March 2016

Further engagements this season have included a new production of Götterdämmerung at Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Elektra in Dresden, Tove Gurre-Lieder, Opéra National de Paris with Phillipe Jordan and the title role of Turandot at Royal Opera House Muscat. Next month she takes on the role of Isolde in Stuttgart and returns to Berliner Staatsoper for the Ring Cycle under the musical direction of Daniel Barenboim. This summer she appears as Turandot at Festival Castell de Peralada.

Future plans include her role debuts as Dyer’s Wife in Die Frau ohne Schatten, Ortrud in Lohengrin and Kundry in Parsifal.