Wagner Society Blogs

Bayreuth Parsifal in HD will feature interval documentaries with Katharina Wagner

Parsifal  from Bayreuth will be simultaneously  broadcast live  in 100 cinemas in Germany. Sponsored by Audi, it has now been confirmed that Katharina Wagner will direct - and present - special interval features which take viewers "behind the scenes".  This ground breaking production by Stefan Herheim was critically acclaimed and also widely lauded by audiences as well.

Theatrical maverick Frank Castorf has been signed to direct the 2013 Ring in Bayreuth.  The contract with the Festspiele is reported to contain language which expressly prohibits Castorf from making changes to the words and music of the Ring.  Castorf is noted for his lack of adherence to the written works of playrights, so why not Wagner's magnum opus.

It was reported in the publication Opera that the Royal Opera House will present Meyerbeer's rarely performed 1831 grand opera Robert le diable in the 2012-2013 season.   The opera will star soprano Diana Damrau and rising tenor star Bryan Hymel.

From Radio WFMT, is a program about the Ring courtesy of Radio Lab.

Theater Freiburg's new production of Lohengrin staged by Frank Hilbrich features a real swan . . . every Wagnerian's dream.  The dream took flight - literally and landed in the orchestra pit!  Fast moving musicians were able to capture the bird while the band played on.

The swan was specially trained for the production by animal trainer Tatiana Zimack, who played 4 to 5 hours of Lohengrin daily so that the bird was accustomed to the music.  Apparently the swan behaved perfectly during the rehearsals.

Location

March 3, 2012 – PROGRAM CHANGE - The Art and Artistry of Lotte Lehmann by Jason Victor Serinus

Thomas J. Munn will not be able to be with us in March, due to a change in his artistic schedule.  His talk will be rescheduled for the Fall.

Location

"Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can . . .
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man" - Irving Berlin

Location

Here is an irresistable Met Götterdämmerung review  from Bloomberg courtesy of Manuela Hoelterhoff on January 29, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/7d57jeb

Most theater goers would say cell phones and theaters don't mix.  In an recent incident in New York some weeks ago, Alan Gilbert stormed off the podium when someone's "cha cha cha" ring tone went off as Gilbert was conducting Mahler.  Can you blame him?