The Marschallin, an older woman, is the only person in the story who recognises the nature of love in all its facets. By letting go of her young lover, Octavian, she frustrates the intentions of the greedy and lecherous Ochs von Lerchenau, thus smoothing the path for Octavian and Sophie, with whom he has fallen in love, to spend their lives together

Conductor: Ádám Fischer (20, 23, 27, 30 October 2013), Franz Welser-Möst (23, 27, 30 April 2014)
Stage Direction: Otto Schenk
Staging: Rudolf Heinrich
Costumes: Erni Kniepert

Main characters and roles:

• Princess von Werdenberg the Marschallin, lover to young Octavian (soprano): Renée Fleming (20, 23, 27, 30 October 2013), Anne Schwanewilms (23, 27, 30 April 2014)
• Octavian, chosen rose-bearer (mezzo-soprano): Sophie Koch (20, 23, 27, 30 October 2013), Elīna Garanča (23, 27, 30 April 2014)
• Baron Ochs of Lerchenau, betrothed to Sophia for her dowry (bass): Peter Rose (20, 23, 27 October 2013), Wolfgang Bankl (30 October 2013, 23, 27, 30 April 2014)
• Sophie, falls in love with Octavian (high soprano): Mojca Erdmann (20, 23, 27, 30 October 2013), Ileana Tonca (23, 27, 30 April 2014)
• Herr von Faninal, rich father to Sophia (high baritone)
• Princess's attorney (bass)
• Valzacchi (tenor)
• Annina (contralto)
• Commissary of police