An erudite and engaging speaker, Leo Eylar returns for another fascinating lecture to the Society. His last talk with us covered “thematic transformation” – aka leitmotifs. This lecture will be a continuation and wrap-up on this subject with a focus on the Ring and other Wagner operas. He will then discuss how Wagner revolutionized harmony.… Continue reading Maestro Leo Eylar Returns

Join us for a Zoom meeting where Erica examines the fascinating relationship between these two 19th-century titans. Wagner openly admired Berlioz and made frequent references to him in his writings. Berlioz, however, was much more reticent about Wagner. They attended each other’s performances, exchanged letters, and met on more than one occasion, but that doesn’t… Continue reading Wagner and Berlioz with Erica Miner

Holden Madagame recently performed the role of Mime in Das Rheingold and Siegfried with Regents Opera (London, UK) where his performance so impressed Wagner Society President, Andy Rombakis, that he decided to invite Holden to share his experience with us. Holden is an American tenor and University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance… Continue reading The TRANSformation of Mime a Zoom talk with Holden Madagame

Timed to coincide with San Francisco Opera’s production of Elektra, this talk will examine the influence of Wagner on Richard Strauss and his music. Frequently seen as the successor to Wagner, the two Richards were very different men. Join us for John Muller’s examination of this relationship. John J.H. Muller has been a faculty member… Continue reading Strauss and Wagner with Professor John Muller – a Zoom Meeting

California, Gold, and….Wagner have been intertwined for almost two centuries now. David Kanaga will explore this in his fascinating talk. Those who saw his previous presentation to the Society featuring his Soft Walküre know what an engaging speaker he is. David is an award-winning composer and game designer. His interactive musical scores for video games… Continue reading Das Kaliforniagold: California Wagnerisms 1848-2026 with David Kanaga