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Bryn Terfel takes the title role of the Dutchman cursed to roam the seas for all eternity in this Royal Opera production, with Elisabet Strid as Senta, the woman who might save him. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Forced by a terrible storm to anchor his ship in an unfamiliar bay, Captain Daland instructs his Steersman to keep watch, but he falls asleep at his post. A strange ship moors alongside, and its captain, the Flying Dutchman of seafaring legend, comes ashore. He is a cursed man, doomed to sail the seas forever, unless he finds a woman who will be ‘faithful unto death’. Longing for salvation, every seven years he comes to port in search of such a woman. Daland returns and hails the Dutchman, who asks Daland’s hospitality in return for generous payment.

When the Dutchman discovers that Daland has a daughter, he asks if he can marry her, in exchange for all his wealth. Daland, though suspicious, is delighted at the prospect of becoming rich. A southerly wind springs up and Daland’s crew prepare to depart for home, followed by the Dutchman’s ship. In a clothing factory, the women are sewing and singing. Mary reproaches Senta for daydreaming instead of working. The other women tease her for her obsession with the Flying Dutchman, particularly when Erik is already in love with her. Senta sings the song of the Dutchman and declares that she will be the woman to save the doomed voyager. Everyone is horrified, especially Erik, who has overheard, and announces that Daland’s ship is returning to port. Erik tells Senta of a strange dream he has had, in which he saw Senta sailing away on a mysterious ship with a stranger.

Daland arrives with the Dutchman and introduces him to Senta. She is transfixed by the visitor, and Daland urges her to accept his offer of marriage. Senta and the Dutchman are left alone, both contemplating the fulfilment of their dreams. Senta accepts the Dutchman’s offer of marriage. He warns her of the sacrifices she will make by marrying him, but she swears she will be true until death. Daland returns, overjoyed at their engagement, and the sailors and women celebrate. They call out to the Dutchman’s ship, but no one responds. Unnerved by the ghostly stillness, the women leave. Erik arrives, distraught at Senta’s betrayal. Overhearing the end of their conversation, the Dutchman is convinced that Senta is unfaithful. Senta begs him to trust her, but he is determined to return to sea. He tells her of the women who have broken their vows to him in the past: they have been eternally damned. He will save Senta, by leaving now before she can break her vows. He reveals his identity as the legendary Flying Dutchman, boards his ship, and leaves. Senta remains behind, alone.

Richard Wagner: The Flying Dutchman

The Dutchman ..... Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone)
Senta ..... Elisabet Strid (soprano)
Daland ..... Stephen Milling (bass)
Erik ..... Toby Spence (tenor)
Steersman ..... Miles Mykkanen (tenor)
Mary ..... Kseniia Nikolaieva (mezzo-soprano)
Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Henrik Nánási (conductor)