Bayreuth reception for Wolfgang Wagner

The reception for Wolfgang Wagner’s retirement in Bayreuth was rather wild but interesting.  It is right that he be honored for his lifetime achievement.  I will write more later about the reception.

But first, I must comment  on seeing Berislav Klobucar, who conducted my performances of Elektra at the Chicago Lyric Opera.  I talked with him and his wife, Natalie, at some length.  What a great man!  And what a great conductor!  We were staying at the same hotel, and I am thrilled over seeing him and his wife and talking with them. 

I do remember that his conducting actually saved the performance.  The production itself was problematic.  I was to die as Elektra on the side of the stage and in the dark, while Orest took center stage and got the lights!  This horrified me!  I had worked so hard and sung my heart out and should die in the dark?  Was not the name of this opera “Elektra” and not “Orest”? 

But making music with Maestro Klobucar was worth it all!  I shall never forget these performances!

• Author and date: Brenda Roberts (2008-08-29)
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Invitation to Wolfgang Wagner’s reception at Bayreuth

I am very honored to be invited by Wolfgang Wagner and his daughter, Katharina Wagner, to a celebration on August 28, in Bayreuth, in honor of his retirement as Director of the Bayreuth Festival.   I am very excited to be included in this historic event and will travel from Chicago in the States to Germany especially to attend the celebration. 

I sang Bruennhilde in a “Ring” production in Bayreuth which Wolfgang Wagner produced and directed.  He was wonderful and supportive.  I learned so much from him.  He talked with me and explained the role of Bruennhilde and how he would like it portrayed.  He is extremely intelligent and taught me so much.

He told me that the “Siegfried”-Bruennhilde was very dear to him and that this was the optimistic, loving Bruennhilde of the cycle.  Although she is “all-wissend”, already knowing how everything would end, she abandoned her knowledge to live her love with Siegfried.

Being at Bayreuth was one of the truly great experiences of my career.

• Author and date: Brenda Roberts (2008-08-24)
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