September 17, 2020: U.S. Book Launch of Wagnerism
The Wagner Society of New York and Powerhouse Arena book store presented the Official U.S. Launch of Wagnerism by Alex Ross in Conversation with A.O. Scott on Monday, September 14. WSNY was represented by Scott Carlton, the Society's Director of Singer's Programs. A review of the book in Wagner Notes is forthcoming. Meanwhile:
About the Book.
Alex Ross, renowned New Yorker music critic and author of the international bestseller and Pulitzer Prize finalist The Rest Is Noise, reveals how Richard Wagner became the proving ground for modern art and politics—an aesthetic war zone where the Western world wrestled with its capacity for beauty and violence.
June 29, and July 1 2020: 40th Annual Seminar/Webinar: Der fliegende Holländer. Those who may have missed these special presentations can access both Sessions on WSNY's YouTube Channel, or by clicking on the links below:
November 13 2019: Glimmerglass Festival Preview Presentation of Die Feen
Glimmerglass Festival General and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and her team gave an enticing preview of Wagner's first opera, receiving its east coast premiere next summer. Die Feen is a mash up of musical styles absorbed by the ambitious 20-year-old copyist and repetiteur, replete with early Romantic plot points dealing with love and the supernatural. After a description of the work by music director Joseph Colenari, we heard substantial "high octane" musical excerpts sung by cast members Ian Koziara, Alexandria Shiner, and Emily Misch. Set designer Adrianne Lobel and costume designer Constance Hoffmann offered a peek at the design elements of a production that promises to be a highlight of the North American summer festival season.
WSNY presented many events during the Ring cycles for the benefit of visitors from around the world -- from Iceland to New Zealand. A few comments and pictures:
April 29, 2019: Rheingold Reception
"...just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the event last night. It seemed to be pitch perfect and just what was needed before a wonderful evening."
"We want to thank you for all the organization you do...You made our one week in New York very special."
May 6, 2019. Rheingold reception: WSNYMembers Joan Drelich and Alice Kenny enjoy mixing with guests from around the world.
![]() |
May 6, 2019. WSNY Rhine Journey on the Hudson:
115 WSNY Members, Met Ring cast members and guests mingled aboard the Cloud Nine IV under the command of our fearless captain (pictured below right). Shown below left: Nathalie Wagner, (WSNY President) with Kirsten Chambers (Helmwige cover), Stefan Vinke (Siegfried), Mary Phillips (Rossweise), Kelly Cae Hogan (Gerhilde). One attendee wrote: "I had a wonderful time on the Rhein cruise, despite the weather. It was so fun to talk to so many Wagnerites."
![]() |
![]() |
May 8, 2019. Jeffrey Swann lecture and recital on "Norns and the Magic of Time."
May 19, 2019. Wagner Birthday Recital: Suzanne Hendrix, mezzo (WSNY Robert Lauch Endowed Fund awardee), and Carami Hilaire, soprano, (WSNY awardee), with reception.
For a retrospective of earlier seasons, please consult our publication, Annals of the Wagner Society of New York, 1977-2002, 25th Anniversary Edition. Available from the Society; see Catalogue.
Retrospective of the 2019-2020 Season
Retrospective of the 2018-2019 Season
Retrospective of the 2017-2018 Season
Retrospective of the 2016-2017 Season
Retrospective of the 2015-2016 Season
Retrospective of the 2014-2015 Season
Retrospective of the 2013-2014 Season
Retrospective of the 2012-2013 Season
Retrospective of the 2011-2012 Season
Retrospective of the 2010-2011 Season
Retrospective of the 2009-2010 Season
Retrospective of the 2008-2009 Season
Retrospective of the 2007-2008 Season
Retrospective of the 2006-2007 Season
Retrospective of the 2005-2006 Season
Retrospective of the 2004-2005 Season
Retrospective of the 2003-2004 Season
Retrospective of the 2002-2003 Season
Retrospective of 2019-2020 Season
Sept. 20. Bayreuth Festival Highlights: German Bravo-Casas on Siegfried Wagner’s life and career; John Muller on the new production of Tannhäuser ; Scott Carlton on the anniversary of Wolfgang Wagner’s birth and his years as Director of the Bayreuth Festival.Retrospective of 2009-2010 Season
September 25. Bayreuth 2009 and Bard Music Festival (Wagner and His World)Retrospective of 2008-2009 Season
Retrospective of the 2007-2008 Season
September 20: “ Die Meistersinger (Bayreuth); Kirov Ring (New York).” Panel discussion and visuals. Panelists: Kirov Ring: Ellen Scaruffi, John Margulis, and Erick Neher. Bayreuth: Verena Kossodo, Scott Carlton, and Erick Neher. Visuals on Kirov Ring: Mr. Neher. Powerpoint presentation on Die Meistersinger: Eugene Brister. F. Peter Phillips, moderator.Retrospective of the 2006-2007 Season
September 28: “The New Bayreuth Ring.” Annual program on the Bayreuth Festival, with visuals and panel discussion. Panelists: Verena Kossodo, Bill Earle, Lew Grenville, Frank Hartin, and Aidan Mooney; F. Peter Phillips, moderator.Retrospective of the 2005-2006 Season
September 16: “Bayreuth 2005.” Visuals and panel discussion of new Bayreuth production of Tristan and Isolde and other 2005 operas. Bill Earle, Verena Kossodo, John Margulis George Preston, and Andrew Zacks; F. Peter Phillips, moderator.Retrospective of the 2004-2005 Season
September 22: "Bayreuth 2004" Visuals, tapes, and panel discussion by attendees: Felicia Bonaparte, Eugene Brister, Verena Kossodo, and Thurmond Smithgall. Moderator: F. Peter Phillips.Retrospective of the 2002-2003 Season
September 17: Berlin Festtage: Roundtable discussion by attendees.