Wagner Society of NY: Book Launch - Wagner and the Creation of the Ring

Join the Wagner Society of New York in a special U.S. Book Release: Story of the Century: Wagner and the Creation of the Ring and a talk by its author Michael Downes. Part cultural history, part biography, this is the fascinating story of Richard Wagner’s life, influences, gift for storytelling, and artistic revolution, culminating in his dramatic journey to write The Ring Cycle. Downes states that “the Ring is a story not only from the nineteenth century, but also about it.”

Having garnered favorable reviews (Gramophone, Opera News, Edinburgh Music Review) from its November 2024 U.K. release (Faber & Faber) and named one of the 5 best music books of the year by Presto, we are proud to co-host this U.S. book launch with publishing house Pegasus Books. Hardcover copies of the work will be available for sale.The event will be followed by a social hour with refreshments.

About the author: Michael Downes is a celebrated conductor, writer, lecturer, and co-author of The Wagners: The Dramas of a Musical Dynasty (Princeton University Press). He is the director of music at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Before moving to Scotland, he conducted numerous choral, operatic, orchestral, and contemporary music groups across England.

Livestream: the event will be livestreamed (viewable up to 36 hours after the start of the event).

Click HERE for all details and registration links for members and non-members.