- This event has passed.
Wagner and Bernstein: Parallels and Contrasts
March 21, 2015 - 8:00 am

Once asked how he could love Wagner, Leonard Bernstein replied, “I hate Wagner. On my knees!” Wagner and Bernstein shared extraordinary numbers of common characteristics. Both were flamboyant, controversial, and changed the face of music in their time and beyond. Both men were hugely successful as musicians and writers, with egos to match, and needed endless adoration from people. And both were geniuses in their own right. This presentation explores the parallels and contrasts in Wagner and Bernstein’s life paths and how, ultimately, their life works intersected.
The Wagner Society of Northern California is thrilled to welcome back speaker, author and lecturer Erica Miner. Former Metropolitan Opera violinist Erica Miner studied with Boston Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Joseph Silverstein at Boston University, New England Conservatory and Tanglewood Music Center, where she also worked with Leonard Bernstein. Now an award-winning author, screenwriter, lecturer and arts writer for musical websites such as usBachtrack.com, Broadway World, and Opera Pulse, Erica has presented lectures for numerous groups on the west coast, including the three Wagner Societies in California, and will present for the Boston Wagner Society in 2015. Her recent thriller novel MURDER IN THE PIT authentically reflects her experiences in the Met Orchestra. http://www.ericaminer.com
Members are free of charge, Guests welcome for a donation of $10
Upcoming Events
Join us for this Zoom talk by F. Peter Phillips, President of the New York Wagner Society, who will discuss his book “Performing Wagner: A Singer’s Perspective on the Major… Continue reading Performing Wagner: A Singer’s Perspective on the Major Tenor Roles with F. Peter Phillips
Click for full details
An erudite and engaging speaker, Leo Eylar returns for another fascinating lecture to the Society. Final details are still being worked out, but based on our experience of his other… Continue reading Maestro Leo Eylar Returns
Click for full details
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.… Continue reading Wagner and Berlioz with Erica Miner
Click for full details
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
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