Wagners rarely performed early comic opera, based on Shakespeares Measure for Measure, enjoys its Spanish debut in a new production by director Kasper Holten. The lively score boasts clear Italian, French and Weberian influences that pre-date the composers mature voice, yet the music continually delights with the unmistakable emergence of Wagners precocious genius. His adaptation of the Bards play reflects the rebellious mood of a Revolutionary Germany, vindicating sensual love and attacking the fanatical repression of sexuality by a puritanical and hypocritical authority. Ivor Bolton conducts a vibrant cast featuring English baritone and Cardiff Singer of the World Lieder Prize-winner Christopher Maltman, Turkish-Viennese tenor and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Ilker Arcayürek and Germanys hottest Wagnerian leading lady, Manuela Uhl.