Bayreuth Discourse – Symposium and Concerts

As announced at the closing press conference for the 2016 Festival by Festival Director Katharina Wagner, the Bayreuth Festival is launching a new supporting programme this year. It is entitled “Bayreuth Discourse” and is designed as a series of events for the academic and artistic analysis of Wagner’s work and legacy.

A two-day symposium will be held in summer 2017. This year’s theme will be “Wagner’s Work and National Socialism”. Lectures and discussions will examine facets of Wagner’s personality and the effect of his works and writings during the Nazi regime and the long-term consequences. Four concerts will feature music by opponents and victims of Nazi rule.

Katharina Wagner with her father Wolfgang Wagner (1919 -2010)

“Bayreuth Discourse “ is intended to be a platform where the controversies surrounding the composer and ideas about the complex meanings and legacy of the person and work of Richard Wagner can be discussed. Representatives of different disciplines including artists, academics, musicians, and theatre professionals will meet in one-on-one discussions.

Richard Wagner Museum in Bayreuth

“Bayreuth Discourse” is generously supported by the Gesellschaft der Freunde von Bayreuth e.V. and takes place in cooperation with the Richard Wagner Museum of Bayreuth.

Marijan Zlobec