Seattle Opera’s
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg featured the debut of Ben Heppner, who would go on to sing memorable Lohengrins, Andrea Cheniers, and Tristans for the company. Company stalwards Roger Roloff, Julian Patrick, Gabor Andrasy and John Del Carlo also starred. Chorus Master George Fiore organized an unforgettable polyphonic street brawl for the end of Act Two.

Julian Patrick (Beckmesser) and John Walwick in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, 1989 © Ron Scherl

Roger Roloff (Hans Sachs) in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, 1989 © Ron Scherl

Helen Donath (Eva) and Gabor Andrasy (Pogner) in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, 1989 © Ron Scherl

A riot breaks out in the streets of Nuremberg in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, 1989 © Ron Scherl

Ben Heppner (Walter) and Helen Donath (Eva) in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, 1989 © Matthew McVay

Roger Roloff (Hans Sachs) and Julian Patrick (Beckmesser) in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, 1989 © Matthew McVay