Another Wagner at Bayreuth

Two great-granddaughters of Richard Wagner (both Wagners themselves) appear to be working out a plan for the future leadership of the Festival their ancestor created.

In the 1800s, Richard Wagner had a dream to create an all-encompassing, multi-media art experience combining music, art and drama into the ultimate artistic expression. But his plans outstripped the capabilities of 19th-century theaters and he built his own in the Bavarian town of Bayreuth. In 1876, Wagner founded the Bayreuth Festival in order to premiere his colossal four-opera cycle The Ring of the Nibelung. Based on Norse mythology, the cycle consists of the following operas:

• Das Rheingold (The Rhinegold)
• Die Walkure (The Valkyrie)
• Siegfried
• Gotterdammerung (Twilight of the Gods).

Over 125 years later, the Bayreuth Festival remains a prestigious affair, still run by Wagners. For the last 50 years, Richard Wagner's grandson Wolfgang Wagner has directed the show. Now 88, he is finally showing signs of retiring. Wolfgang Wagner appears to be ready to hand direction of the festival over to his daughter by a second marriage, 29-year-old Katharina Wagner.

Yet many, including the Richard Wagner Foundation, feel that the younger daughter lacks the know-how to bear such a responsibility. They favor Wolfgang Wagner's 62-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. Eva Wagner-Pasquier is an experienced arts and culture manager and would be able to step into her father's shoes quite easily.

One might expect such a rivalry to result in a bitter feud, but the two sisters appear to be making a deal. They are working on a proposal, due April 29, which will outline a plan for the festival's future.

For more information, please read the CBC Article.