Seminar: Tristan und Isolde
Join us for our annual tradition: a half-day deep-dive exploration into one of Wagner’s towering masterpieces, presented in conjunction with the Metropolitan Opera’s current season. This year we turn our attention to Tristan und Isolde (on stage 9 March – 2 April, 2026) in a new production by Yuval Sharon.
Our seminar offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your relationship with the work, whether you’re a seasoned Wagnerian or discovering Tristan for the first time. Expect illuminating lectures from leading scholars and musicologists, insights into the opera’s historical, philosophical, and musical dimensions, and a dynamic roundtable with members of the cast and creative team. These gatherings are more than just educational—they’re a chance to connect with fellow opera lovers in a spirit of shared curiosity and discovery. Come ready to engage, reflect, and be transformed by one of the most profound love stories ever set to music.
Program:
Doors open 11:15 a.m.; Programs 12:00 noon – 4:15 p.m. with breaks. Complimentary refreshments before the program and during breaks.
12:00 p.m. Welcome by Chairman John Ryan and Moderator F. Peter Phillips
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Prof. Karol Berger, “Tristan und Isolde: Music Drama as Opera”
1:15 – 1:30 p.m. Refreshment Break
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Met Cast Roundtable
Ekaterina Gubanova, Ryan Speedo Green, Tomasz Konieczny, Michael Spyres
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Refreshment Break
2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Prof. Wayne Oquin, “Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde: Harmony as the Embodiment of Longing”
3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Will Crutchfield, “150 Years of Singing Tristan”
Plan ahead & Enhance your Experience:
Check out director Yuval Sharon‘s book A New Philosophy of Opera – available in our shop
Find us at an intermission meet-up for whichever performance you’re attending
Deepen your understanding with this five-part course in collaboration with Juilliard Extension, taught by John J. H. Muller IV, Faculty Emeritus, The Juilliard School.
Continue the conversation: join us for a gathering after the seminar at Reichenbach Hall for drinks and dinner.
Ticketing:
WSNY Members: $60, VIP Seating $200, Non-WSNY Member $85, WSNY Student Members: Free
Livestream $30 – viewable live, or up to 36 hours after the event.