The first instalment of David Robertson’s epic concert performance of Wagner’s tragic love story is free to view.

SSO have released Act 1 of its epic semi-staged performance of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde on YouTube, with the remaining two acts scheduled for release later this year.

Conducted by SSO Chief Conductor David Robertson, and starring American soprano Christine Brewer as Isolde and Canadian tenor Lance Ryan as Tristan, the HD film of the concert performance was recorded live on June 20 at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall using ten cameras to give viewers a unique perspective of the performance. The innovative production told the story of the opera using specially commissioned video projections by New York-based video artist S. Katy Tucker, as well as placing performers around the auditorium. The SSO have also released a behind the scenes interview with David Robertson and Christine Brewer discussing Wagner’s extraordinary musical vision for this tragic love story.

The performances were originally due to feature Australian heldentenor Stuart Skelton, giving his role debut as Tristan, however Skelton was unfortunately forced to withdraw due to ill-health.

Related: David Robertson on conducting Tristan and Isolde

The SSO has previously made concerts available to view online, including a complete cycle of the Beethoven piano concertos with Emanuel Ax and David Robertson in June 2014. 

Acts II and III of Tristan und Isolde will be released on August 31 and September 14. The performance will be available on YouTube for one year.