NEWS FROM THE WAGNER SOCIETY

 

For more information:

 

Thomas Arthur (press)

Aurelius Fernandez at 301.907.2600 (general)

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 31, 2005  ––––– The Wagner Society of Washington, D.C. is pleased to present a free lecture by

 

 

Professor Hugh Macdonald

Berlioz and Wagner:

Master Sculptor and Master Singer

 

 

The program will be open to the public without charge on Thursday, May 12, 2005, at 7:30 P.M. at the Levine School of Music, 2801 Upton Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

 

The Presentation.  Hugh Macdonald will reveal the friendship that Richard Wagner and Hector Berlioz shared by drawing a picture of the two worlds in which they lived and the communications they exchanged with each other.  He will use excerpts of recorded music to explain what each learned from the other and show how their music can be compared.  He will also examine the fascinating truth that there was both admiration and incomprehension on the part of each composer for the other.

 

The Speaker.  Hugh Macdonald is a professor of music at the Washington University in St. Louis with special expertise in French music, opera, and nineteenth century composers, especially Berlioz.  He has published extensively on the works of Berlioz and is well known for his performing editions of the music of Berlioz.  He was general editor of a twenty-six-volume collection of the composer’s work that was published in Germany.  Professor Macdonald is also well known for translating operas into English from German, French and Italian, and regularly presents pre-concert talks at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performances.  He is an accomplished pianist and plays violin, viola and harpsichord.  He has conducted orchestras and choruses.  A native of England with experience in several British and American universities and degrees from Cambridge University, he joined the faculty of Washington University in 1987.

 

The Wagner Society of Washington, D.C. is a private, non-profit organization devoted to the study and enjoyment of Richard Wagner’s art.  Many events are free to members and the public.  The Society welcomes new members and contributions at any time.  Membership information is available at the Society’s website or by telephone.

 

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The Wagner Society of Washington, D.C.

P.O. Box 33051 ~ Washington, D.C. 20033

Telephone 301.907.2600 ~ Facsimile 301.907.8671

www.wagner-dc.org