Wagnerites from around the world will descend upon Houston when HGO presents Parsifal, the composer’s final opera, full of shimmeringly beautiful music and spiritual and philosophical exploration. The revered masterpiece takes audiences on a mystical journey through a realm where time has no meaning and a group of knights are trying to protect the Holy Grail and their wounded king, Amfortas. He can only be healed by an innocent fool—the titular protagonist—but first Parsifal must undertake a quest to reclaim the Holy Spear, enduring tests including an attempted seduction by a bevy of gorgeous women. The opera will be presented in a stunning, sensual, colorful production from Tony Award-winning director John Caird. HGO Principal Guest Conductor Eun Sun Kim leads a cast of extraordinary Wagnerians including tenor Russell Thomas as Parsifal, soprano Elena Pankratova as Kundry, bass Kwangchul Youn as Gurnemanz, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Amfortas.