Can Wagner's Parsifal be performed in a church? Certainly: in Act 3 the magic of Good Friday
plays a central role. The beauties of nature that unfold on Good Friday are depicted musically. Plagued by feelings of guilt, Parsifal looks on in wonder. This can also be interpreted as an indirect expression of joy at the redemption of man by the sacrificial death of the saviour. Where there is redemption, there is always guilt and sin.  

Sir Mark Elder, one of the most sought-after Wagnerian interpreters, will conduct the Sinfonieorchester Basel for the first time.