Richard Wagner festival: Discover the Ring this February in Edinburgh, tickets on sale now
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When composer Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig early in the 19th century, conflict in Europe dominated the political and social landscape. It’s perhaps no surprise then that a musical genius born in turbulent times grew up, shall we say, darker than some or that his musical style became, forceful, powerful and completely unforgettable.
Now, for Scottish fans of classical music’s bad boy, Edinburgh’s Stockbridge Music Hub – whose aim is to build community through music – has brought together world-renowned experts, historians and performers to explore the The Ring cycle.
From live music performances to Q&As, entry-level introductions to challenging discussions on whether this sometimes controversial composer can ever sit easily with a modern audience, the Discover The Ring collection is a series of 12 events.
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Event co-ordinator Clea Friend is delighted not just with the programming, but the comfortable and inclusive venue itself.
“The Music Hub is hosted by Stockbridge Church who provide a warm and comfortable space. There will be generous intervals for refreshments and conversation. The Stockbridge Music Hub, which runs musical events all year round, is the perfect venue for this Wagner experience.”
The Stockbridge Music Hub, with support from Amati Global Investors, runs musical events all year round, engaging with people of all ages and needs from the local community. It’s the perfect venue for this Wagner experience.
Think you know everything Wagner?
Classical music enthusiasts and die-hard Wagner fans are fascinated by his complex musical language, cleverly worked harmonies and deep narratives, many of which are inspired by Norse heritage and which have mirrored power struggles over the centuries.
For those looking for a modern allegory, the Trump/Biden/Harris election campaign has been analysed by Michael Downes (who presents the first event of the festival) fascinated by the parallels in 21st US politics with the composer’s greatest works.
His enduring appeal is at the heart of the programme. Among the sessions on offer at this year’s festival, which runs from February 22 to March 1, is a Q&A with Sir John Tomlinson exploring the character of Wotan, a conversation between Wagner scholar Barry Millington and opera director Keith Warner, a four-part talk on Wagner by expert Lionel Friend, and performances and screenings of The Ring. Leading Wagner soprano, Susan Bullock, will sing a full recital on day 2 at 7pm.
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Think you know nothing of Wagner?
But much as the festival will appeal to the purists who love nothing more than debating fresh insights into this musical mastermind, those who have never knowingly heard Richard Wagner will recognise his music and be amazed at just how familiar some of the classic pieces are.
Picture the scene in Apocalypse Now, as the US helicopter blasts through the Vietnam skies with Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries pounding out of its speakers. Movie director Francis Ford Coppola said he was using the power of music to heighten tension and as a terrifying weapon of war. At the other end of the scale, Elmer Fudd chases after Bugs Bunny to the same tune, albeit with the lyrics Kill the Wabbit in What’s Opera, Doc? Here, the brooding musical and elongated shadow animation forewarns of dark and evil – and it’s utterly mesmerising.
Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche summed up the Ring cycle ahead of its premiere in 1876: ‘The tragic hero is a god who thirsts for power and who, after pursuing all paths to gain it, binds himself through contracts, loses his freedom, and becomes entangled in the curse that is inseparable from power.’
Book now
So whether you are Wagnerite to your core, fascinated by a character who would be ‘judged’ in 21st century Britain, or someone coming to this music for the first time, you’ll find something for you at the Stockbridge Music Hub hosted by Stockbridge Church. Visit the website and click on Discover the Ring to book your tickets. And if you simply can’t choose, there’s chance for further discounts by booking tickets to all events.