National Opera Announces Casting For 'Ring' Cycle

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington National Opera will bring acclaimed singers from Britain, Sweden and the U.S. to stage Wagner's complete "Ring" cycle in 2016.

The company announced casting and dates Tuesday for the ambitious production, which includes American historical themes. Plans call for presenting three cycles of the opera series from April 30 to May 22, 2016.

British soprano Catherine Foster will make her U.S. debut as Brunnhildes in the first two cycles. Swedish soprano Nina Stemme will make her Washington National Opera debut as Brunnhildes in the third cycle. American heldentenor Daniel Brenna takes the role of Siegfried in the U.S. for the first time. Bass-baritone Alan Held will perform as Wotan.

This will be the first time the company has presented "The Ring" in complete cycles. Previously it presented individual operas.