Bass Adam Palka sings Méphistophélès in Gounod’s “Faust” at the Vienna Staatsoper
Adam Palka plays the role of Méphistophélès in the opera by the French composer Charles Gounod. Frank Castorf’s staging will be shown four times in Vienna: on May 22, 25, 29 and June 2, 2024.
Méphistophélès is the signature role of the Polish singer. He has performed it, among others, at the Staatsoper in Hamburg, Stuttgart and the Grand Théâtre in Geneva. Following the Viennese run, he will reprise the role at the Canadian Opera Company and the National Opera in Prague.
Adam Palka will be joined on stage by Nicole Car as Marguerite, Stefan Astakhov as Valentin, Patricia Nolz as Siébel, and Jusung Gabriel Park as Wagner. The titular role will feature Piotr Beczala. Bertrand de Billy conducts the Vienna Staatsoper’s Orchestra.
Gounod’s opera is based on the masterpiece of world literature, Goethe’s “Faust”. Approaching old age, Doctor Faust dreams of becoming young again. He makes a pact with the devil, regains his youth and makes Marguerite fall in love with him. Due to an unfortunate series of events, Marguerite dies. Faust becomes aware of the great price he must pay for signing the contract.