Christina Nilsson debuts in Ariadne auf Naxos at Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival opened a new production of Richard Strauss’s opera Ariadne auf Naxos, featuring Swedish soprano Christina Nilsson in her company debut. Nilsson, a prize‑winner at Operalia 2019, is known for Strauss, Wagner and Italian repertoire and has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Oper Frankfurt, Deutsche Oper Berlin and other major houses. Critics praised her portrayal as “young, desperate, totally on the edge” with a voice that “shines full, soft and round.” The performance will be recorded and broadcast worldwide.

Images from the Operncamp Ariadne auf Naxos 2026 show the ensemble and the Wiener Philharmoniker under musical director Andrea Götsch, highlighting the festival’s orchestral involvement.