The Philadelphia Orchestra in a rare move played the entire Tristan und Isolde last Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Marian Anderson Hall. 

This reviewer had yearned for months to see it. The last time these eyes and ears experienced a performance of the opera was at New York’s Metropolitan Opera during their 1983-1984 season. Hildegard Behrens (1937-2009) was Isolde. Richard Cassily (1927-1998) was Tristan. The remarkable Tatiana Troyanos (1938-1993) was Brangaene, while Aage Haugland (1944-2000) was King Mark, and Richard J. Clark was Kurwenal. A miraculous, memorable five-hour experience led by the late Maestro James Levine.

Last week, a starry cast assembled for Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin, who now heads the Metropolitan Opera as well as the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Nina Stemme and Stuart Skelton were the doomed lovers, while the estimable Karen Cargill was Brangaene, faithful companion to Isolde who caused all the problems. The men who loved Tristan, Tareq Nazmi as King Mark(e), and Brian Mulligan as his bro Kurwenal co-starred. 

Unbeknownst to me, Philadelphia’s Pride Parade was also taking place at exactly the same time, at 2pm. (The opera is five hours long). This reviewer had high hopes to leave two hours early, but after 90 minutes in traffic, it was impossible to get anywhere within 9 blocks of the venue. So, sadly, the return home began even before the opera began. 

But you, dear reader might still be able to experience this marvel. This Sunday, June 8, Tristan und Isolde will enjoy a second performance. And you’ll have plenty of time to see that evening’s telecast of The Tony Awards.

The orchestra’s press agent shared that after years of being one of the finest Isoldes in the world, Nina Stemme will no longer sing the role. This will be her last performance. So do go if you have a glimmer of a chance to secure a ticket.

Good luck, and best wishes to see 

Tristan und Isolde June 8.