Wagner's double crescendo

This is the first time ever Bayreuth Festival shared their production in a foreign country, and the collaboration of singers from Shanghai Opera House and the international artists makes the production very special, says American tenor Caves. He praises the Chinese singers for their "great voices", and adds that "they would have wonderful careers if they came to Europe as well. They are fantastic, great singers".

Tristan und Isolde is a very demanding opera for not just the singers, "but for every person in the orchestra", says American soprano Lindstrom, who plays the leading female character Isolde. "They have to be completely focused for five hours. It is immense, but it is the best music that was ever written."

The production in Shanghai is of "extremely high quality", she says. "Shanghai can feel so proud of how they have created this, because it is with respect, honor and enthusiasm and hunger for this experience."

Chinese tenor Yu Haolei, who plays the role of Melot, says that Tristan und Isolde is "the most difficult opera I've ever encountered in my career". Working with top vocal artists from around the world, "I've learned a lot — from diction to singing techniques. This has greatly helped my professional growth".