Daniel Barenboim has to cancel his participation in the new production of Richard Wagner's DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN, staged by Dmitri Tcherniakov, for health reasons. Christian Thielemann will take over the musical direction of the first and third cycles. The second cycle will be conducted by Thomas Guggeis. "It is with great regret that I have to give up conducting the new RING at the Staatsoper for health reasons. I am still struggling with the consequences of the vasculitis I was diagnosed with in the spring, and with this decision I am following the advice of my attending physicians. I am deeply saddened not to be able to conduct the new RING. Working with Dmitri Tcherniakov, the great ensemble and the Staatskapelle Berlin is a particularly fulfilling experience for me. However, I must now give priority to my health and concentrate on my complete recovery. The Staatsoper is very close to my heart. That is why I am very happy that my esteemed colleague Christian Thielemann has agreed to take over the conducting of the first and third cycles at short notice. We have known each other for a long time, and I know that the RING is in extraordinarily good hands with him. Thomas Guggeis, a great young conductor whom I have long supported and appreciated, will take over the second cycle. I wish them and everyone involved all the best with this production."