Bayreuth Stipendium

“I have had the distinct pleasure of returning to Bayreuth thanks to the support of the Wagner Society of New York and the Richard Wagner Scholarship Foundation. Coming back as a stipendiat allowed me to experience the festival and city from a whole new perspective. Within the program, I have been able to expand and grow my European professional network. I found myself in awe throughout the week as I was surrounded by such talented peers. As an arts administrator, I kept on asking myself- “I wonder when I will get to work with these singers again? Where will we all be in 20 years?”

While expanding my professional connections has been one of the many benefits of this program, it was not all 100% business. I had such a pleasure getting to know these contemporaries of mine. I found it so exciting to be in conversation with them, speaking eloquently about Wagner and then transitioning into normal twenty-something chatting. The connections I made by my participation in the stipendium program have been such a gift.

Alongside the deep connections I made with people, my actual time spent in the Festspielhaus has left me with a deeper connection to Wagner and his music. I am so lucky that my first time ever hearing Parsifal and Tristan live was within the Festspielhaus— the experience I had being completely absorbed in these Wagnerian worlds is one I will never forget.

My experience in Bayreuth has left me with so much gratitude. To the New York Society for their endless support, to the International Verband for the exciting programming, and to Wagner himself as I got to truly experience his vision of the festival ideal.”

“Bayreuth changed my life. Prior to 2022, I had some knowledge of Wagner and the Festival, and was aware of Wagner’s influence on tonality and harmonic structure. However, his gargantuan reputation was intimidating and, because of that, I was not enthusiastic about learning his music. It was not until 2022, when I was an Apprentice Artist in the chorus of Tristan und Isolde with Sante Fe Opera, that I had an opportunity to be immersed in the music – and only then because I had a vested interest. Then in 2023, I was the recipient of WSNY’s Bayreuth Stipendium, an annual scholarship program that gives participants the opportunity to experience three operas, attend lectures on his music, and connect with other young singers, as well as instrumentalists, directors, coaches, conductors, costume designers, and scholars. The performances I attended were dynamic, varied, and superb musically. The Festspielhaus is rife with pageantry and symbolism. Each evening’s performance may begin on the lawn with refreshments, conversations, and, for me, much-needed German practice. … The Bayreuth Festival reinvigorated my love for opera. Seeing three varied and contrasting shows made for diverse musical and dramatic experiences, all of which ranked 11 out of 10. … The overture of Dutchman burned through the house like wildfire. … The performances ignited a new sense of responsibility and dedication to my own musicianship. This musical awakening is only attainable at the Bayreuth Festival, due to its specific history; it stands alone in its musicianship, inventiveness, and faithfulness to Wagner’s legacy. My experience as a Stipendium recipient was rich with learning, culturally enriching experiences, and fabulous performances. I am a better artist as a result.”

Learn more about Joseph’s work at joseph-parrish.com

“I had the privilege to attend the Bayreuth Festival on the scholarship program in August of 2021. I was not prepared for what I was about to witness during my stay. Everything about Bayreuth during that time of year is centered wholly around the artistry and discussion of Wagner’s works, and the scholarship program was certainly no exception. I can truthfully say that I have never experienced such a rapid succession of profound artistic experiences one after another than I did during my stay. Seeing Wagner’s dramas in the Festspielhaus is an unparalleled experience, thanks to its revolutionary design and exceptional acoustics, leaving the viewer completely engrossed in the sonic and dramatic worlds of his creation. And whenever the music wasn’t playing, discussions unfolded among my peers—a diverse group of talented artists with backgrounds ranging from stage directors and philosophy students to singers and musicians. These conversations would fill the entirety of the two hour-long intermissions of each performance and would often continue late into the early hours of the morning. The team from the Richard Wagner Scholarship Foundation in Bayreuth, responsible for planning our visit, enriched the week with additional memorable experiences, including tours, receptions, a concert for artists on the scholarship program, and time to fully embrace the Bayreuth experience. Gustav Mahler’s description of his experience in Bayreuth resonated with my own. He wrote: ‘When I came out of the Festspielhaus, I realized that I had undergone the greatest and most soul-searching experience of my life and that I would carry that experience with me for the rest of my days.’ I suspect that there are many more pilgrimages to this special place in store for me after this first magnificent experience. I am grateful to the Wagner Society of New York, the Richard Wagner Scholarship Foundation for this extraordinary journey and for the enduring friendships I made along the way.”

Learn more about Griffin’s work at griffinkaiser.com