Wagner + Elgar

Elgar’s character-rich orchestral writing and Wagner’s dramatic final pages from Götterdämmerung anchor a New World Symphony program featuring soprano Christine Goerke. The concert takes place Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4 at New World Center in Miami Beach as part of the orchestra’s 2026-2027 season. Sir Mark Elder conducts the main program, with NWS Conducting Fellow Ziwei Ma opening the concert with Elgar’s Chanson de Nuit. The first half continues with Elgar’s Falstaff, a symphonic study inspired by Shakespeare’s larger-than-life character and his relationship with Prince Hal. After intermission, the program turns to Wagner with orchestral excerpts from Götterdämmerung, including “Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey,” the “Funeral March” and Brünnhilde’s “Immolation Scene.” Goerke brings extensive experience in Wagner and Strauss roles, including Brünnhilde in the Ring Cycle, Kundry in Parsifal and the title roles in Elektra and Turandot. Elder, Conductor Emeritus of the Hallé and a regular presence with major opera houses and orchestras, brings deep experience in both Wagner and British repertoire to the program.