Maestro Thomas Guggeis on Conducting Wagner

Maestro Thomas Guggeis shared his insights into the challenges of conducting the Ring in Berlin and Der fliegende Holländer at the Metropolitan Opera, with particular emphasis on the influence of bel canto tradition in Wagner’s vocal writing.

Thomas Guggeis created an international stir in March 2018 when he was tapped to take over a highly acclaimed new production of Salome from Christoph von Dohnányi at the Staatsoper unter den Linden in Berlin, where he was subsequently named Staatskapellmeister for the 2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons. In 2022, Maestro Guggeis conducted the second Ring cycle in place of Daniel Barenboim. In October 2021 he was named Music Director-designate of the Oper Frankfurt as of 2023/24, where he will also assume artistic leadership of the Frankfurt Museumskonzerte. At the time of our event, Guggeis was making his debuts at the Metropolitan Opera and the Santa Fe Opera with Der fliegende Holländer.

Conductor Thomas Guggeis demonstrates motifs from Der fliegende Holländer.

Maestro Thomas Guggeis speaks with Prof. John J. H. Muller IV and members and guests of the Wagner Society of New York.

Maestro Guggeis takes some time to talk with WSNY members before the evening's performance.