« All Events

  • This event has passed.

The Wagner Dynasty & Changing Philosophies at Bayreuth

June 27, 2020 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE ARCHIVAL RECORDING OF THIS EVENT: https://youtu.be/P7BGST67Gqo
“Art is what matters here”
Die Meistersinger
Following her husband’s death in 1883, Cosima Wagner ruled over the Bayreuth Festival with an iron will for 20 plus years. She was succeeded by her son, Siegfried, who maintained the family tradition until his death in 1930. His wife, Winifred, then took up the reins and directed the Festival through the tumultuous years of World War II. Faced with ruin in 1945, Winifred’s sons, Wieland and Wolfgang, shared the job bringing the Festival back to life. At Wieland’s death, Wolfgang took over and led the Festival for 50 years. Today the Festival is run by Katharina Wagner, Wolfgang’s daughter, . . . . . . The saga continues.
Ms Mays talk follows this line of succession in terms of the production values and changes over the years looking at the practical and creative responses of different family members to the great works of their forbear. The talk includes images and music excerpts.

Desirée Mays, the Preview speaker for The Santa Fe Opera for 20 years is a storyteller, radio interviewer and producer, reviewer and writer. She is the author of the Opera Unveiled book series, Desirée lectures internationally for opera companies and Wagner Societies. Her radio shows include interviews with singers, directors and conductors.

Details

Date:
June 27, 2020
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Venue

Zoom Meeting

Organizer

The Wagner Society of Northern California

Upcoming Events

Annual Wagner Birthday Celebration
Tuesday, May-12-2026 - 05:00 PM

It’s time to celebrate — and what better occasion than Richard’s birthday? Join us as we lift out steins to honor Herr Wagner on his (almost) 213th birthday. Our annual… Continue reading Annual Wagner Birthday Celebration

Click for full details
The TRANSformation of Mime a Zoom talk with Holden Madagame
Saturday, June-06-2026 - 01:00 PM

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… Continue reading The TRANSformation of Mime a Zoom talk with Holden Madagame

Click for full details
Strauss and Wagner with Professor John Muller – a Zoom Meeting
Saturday, June-13-2026 - 01:00 PM

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… Continue reading Strauss and Wagner with Professor John Muller – a Zoom Meeting

Click for full details
Das Kaliforniagold: California Wagnerisms 1848-2026 with David Kanaga
Saturday, July-11-2026 - 01:00 PM

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… Continue reading Das Kaliforniagold: California Wagnerisms 1848-2026 with David Kanaga

Click for full details
SAVE THE DATE! 2026 Cosima Wagner Holiday Celebration Brunch
Sunday, December-06-2026 - 11:00 AM

Join us for the 2026 edition of our traditional “Cosima Party”. Our Events Committee is still working out the final details of this year’s edition, but it promises to be… Continue reading SAVE THE DATE! 2026 Cosima Wagner Holiday Celebration Brunch

Click for full details

Shopping Cart

0