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 […]
Our Annual Recital featured mezzo-soprano Shanley Horvitz accompanied by pianist Craig Ketter in a selection of pieces by Wagner (including the Wesendonck Lieder), Ravel, Dvořák, and Janáček. Ms. Horvitz was the WSNY's 2022 Lauch awardee and has been reviewed "to spin lovely, warm legato phrases, replete with ease of emission, dynamic variety, elegance, yet holding […]
Description: Prof. Michael P. Steinberg of Brown University and co-curator of the recent exhibit in Berlin’s German Historical Museum explained the influence of Wagner on German nationalism in the mid-19th century and its lasting impact on German self-identity. As Prof. Steinberg explained to The New York Times, “You can’t have a naïve and beautiful production […]
Description: Our 42nd annual seminar, a half-day deep-dive into the world of Wagner’s Swan Knight. Moderated by composer and conductor Victoria Bond, with a presentation by Dr. Katherine Syer “Wagner’s Lohengrin: Blending Art and Life, On Stage and Off”; an interview with new production director François Girard; a roundtable with the Met cast featuring Günther […]
Description: Scholarship met fun in this delightful evening. Prof. Goldmark opened our eyes to the pervasive presence of Richard Wagner in the popular American culture of the mid 20th Century. Profusely illustrated by clips of hilarious cartoons such as the classic What’s Opera, Doc? which is the source of the immortal lines, “Kill the wabbit” […]
In partnership with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, a vocal showcase featuring excerpts from Wagner's Lohengrin. Lohengrin is the third opera of Wagner’s middle period, and it continues a style of tonality that the composer had developed earlier in Tannhäuser. Lohengrin's musical style also anticipates Wagner’s future leitmotif technique and, as with all of his operas […]
Description: Wagner Society grantees Clay Hilley and Issachah Savage recently recorded a thrilling interview with Society Singers Program Director Scott Carlton, and was videocast to WSNY members. For many years, the Society has been honored to support careers of young Wagnerians who have subsequently built major careers. Hilley and Savage are among the most recent and […]
Description: In a special presentation and book signing hosted by the Wagner Society of New York, Joseph W. Polisi offered a summary and archival images of the creation and growth of Lincoln Center, drawn from his recent book, Beacon to the World: A History of Lincoln Center. Copies of the book were available for sale […]
An Evening of Wagner Duets and Trios in a Masterclass with Carole Farley and Scott Carlton, with collaborative pianist Craig Ketter, presented by New York Chamber Music Festival, in collaboration with WSNY.
Commentary by colleagues, with illustrations and excerpts from his memoirs.
Interview with heldentenor Stefan Vinke, Aegisth in Elektra, Siegfried in the 2019 Met Ring.
from Richard I to Richard III: Wagner, Strauss and Questions of Influence: Lecture by John Muller, Juilliard Professor