Which is the greater, music or poetry? The arts-loving Countess Madeleine struggles to find the answer – and to choose between her two suitors, the tender composer Flamand and the fiery poet Olivier.

Written at the height of the Second World War, Richard Strauss’s final opera Capriccio pays tribute to many of the composer’s operatic predecessors. Notable for its wit and dynamism, highlights include the soulful opening String Sextet and the lyrical closing monologue, in which Countess Madeleine meditates on the inseparability of music and poetry.

This is a magnificent work with a superb cast led by Malin Byström – a much admired Salome at the 2022 Festival – in the lead role as Countess Madeleine and conducted by Alexander Soddy.

This concert performance of Capriccio will be performed in memory of conductor Sir Andrew Davis CBE, who sadly passed away earlier this year aged 80. Sir Andrew conducted 18 performances at the Festival between 1974 and 2023, and was originally scheduled to conduct this performance.

Capriccio is performed as an opera in concert, with a maximalist approach to vocals, and a minimalist approach to costume and set design. Learn more about operas in concert.

Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.

Buy standard price tickets for all three Philharmonia evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.

Supported by Pirie Rankin EIF Endowment Fund and Sheila Colvin

With additional support from