BERLIN. State Minister of Culture Claudia Roth (Greens) has spoken out in favor of performing works by Richard Wagner and other composers at the Bayreuth Festival. “I have in mind ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Engelbert Humperdinck. This is an opera that comes from the Wagnerian tradition. There are quite a few such works,” she told the Bavarian media group.
The Green politician pointed out, however, that “it has been determined so far that the festival hall may only be used for the performance of the works of Richard Wagner.” The deed of incorporation, signed by Wagner’s ancestors, the federal government, the Free State of Bavaria, the district, the city and the Association of Friends of Bayreuth, regulates the use of the festival hall. It states that the house “must always be made available for the purposes for which the builder intended it, namely exclusively for the festive performance of the works of Richard Wagner.” However, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony was played sporadically in the past.
Roth calls for a more diverse and younger audience
Roth believes it is important to reform the Bayreuth Festival. The event should be “generally more open to young audiences and specifically target them,” the 69-year-old demanded. In general, Bayreuth should do that become more diverse, colorful and younger.
The Bayreuth Festival begins this year on July 25 with a new production of “Tristan and Isolde.” For the next four weeks, Wagner works will be performed exclusively. (st)