Tannhäuser Seminar

Tannhäuser Seminar

“I still owe the world a Tannhäuser” – Richard Wagner

A half-day exploration of Wagner’s opera, our annual seminar offers a deep-dive into the work and coincides with the Met Opera production this winter.

Check back here for program updates as artists and cast appearances are subject to change.

Program:

12:00 noon: Introduction by David Shengold, music critic and lecturer

12:05 – 12:55 pm: John J. H. Muller IV “Tannhäuser: Thoughts on the Different Versions”

Tannhäuser contains elements drawn from the traditions of 19th-century opera as well as more forward-looking stylistic features. A study of the versions of the work, spanning a period of over thirty years, demonstrates Wagner’s growth as a composer and dramatist.

1:15 – 2:00 pm: Met Cast Roundtable

Elza van den Heever (Elisabeth)
Christian Gerhaher (Wolfram)
Ekaterina Gubanova (Venus)
George Zeppenfeld (Landgraf)
other cast members TBC

2:15 – 3:05  pm: Met Orchestra Musicians Roundtable

Hannah Cope, Principal Harp
Wen Qian, Violin
Anton Rist, Principal Clarinet
Anne M. Scharer, French Horn

3:20 – 4:10 pm: Susan Brodie, “Recent Tannhäuser Productions: Conflicts between Individual Desires and the Common Good”

Books & Merchandise will be for sale. Refreshments will be served. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

In-person & livestreamed (viewable online through midnight Dec. 12)

Venue & Accessibility: Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street (between 1st Street-2nd Avenue), Third Floor

There are smooth sidewalk cutouts at 73rd & Second Ave.; those at First Ave. are uneven. Look for the access ramp to Bohemian Spirit Restaurant to the left of the Hall; the venue is fully accessible. WSNY Seminar is on the 3rd Floor, via elevators, and seating can be arranged to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs. ADA compliant restrooms are conveniently located on the same floor.