Aurelius Fernandez, 301.907.2600 (Other)

The Wagner Society of Washington, D.C. Announces a Free Lecture by

Its Distinguished Member, John J. Pohanka

"Wagner, The Mystic"

WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 2003 ---- The Wagner Society of Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce a lecture by its Member, the Washington businessman and philanthropist, John J. Pohanka, on Thursday, May 29, 2003, 7:30 P.M. at the George Washington University, Funger Hall, 2201 G Street, N.W. in Washington, D.C. The event is open to the public. Admission is free.

The lecture. John Pohanka notes that Bryan Magee, in his book Aspects of Wagner, says "some people listening to Wagner's music are made to feel that they are in touch with their own personality for the first time. The feeling of wholeness yet unboundedness - hence, its frequent comparison with a mystical or religious experience." In his lecture, Mr. Pohanka will show how such experiences are the result of Wagner's metaphysics, which he developed both intuitively and purposefully over many years, culminating in his last great work, Parsifal. Mr. Pohanka believes that in doing this, Wagner joins a long line of mystics spanning many centuries and cultures.

John Pohanka. The lecturer is an economics graduate of Princeton University. He is also a second generation automobile dealer and is Chairman of the Pohanka Automotive Group which holds thirteen car and truck franchises at eleven locations in the Washington area. He has served as President of the National Automobile Dealers Association and is a founder and past chairman of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Mr. Pohanka is Chairman of the Capital Automotive Real Estate Investment Trust, the first publicly traded REIT for automotive properties.

He is a great friend and benefactor of opera and has served as a trustee of the Washington Opera since 1989. He is a member of the Washington Opera's Executive Committee and is Co-chairman of its Marketing Committee. He is the Executive Producer of "Washington Opera Commentaries" featuring opera lecturer Saul Lilienstein on CDs. He is an active and generous member of the Wagner Society of Washington, D.C. He has served on its Board of Directors since the Board was organized. This will be his first lecture to The Society.

The Wagner Society of Washington, D.C. is a private, non-profit organization for the study and enjoyment of Wagner's art. Its series of lectures, the Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart Emerging Singers Program, and social events will continue through June 2003. Many programs are free to the public.

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