Events

The WSSC plans unique events

throughout the calender year…

Our events occur in several regular places throughout the year and sometimes in special locations which will be noted:

NOTE: ZOOM Events are for WSSC

members and guests who purchased

a $10,00 entry fee.

The Colburn School 200 S. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012 Directions Parking The Chairman’s Home: 1630 South Barranca Ave.. #167 Glendora, CA 91740 Directions Bayreuth Festival Festspielhügel 1-2 85445 Bayreuth

WAGNER AND MENDELSSOHN

Lecture with Erica Miner

Sun., May 4th, @ 1 PM PDT

Live via Zoom

Although there was a stark contrast between the music of Wagner and his contemporary Felix Mendelssohn, the relationship between the two German geniuses was fraught with competitiveness, rivalry, and jealousy—mostly on the part of Wagner. This frank discussion shines a light on Wagner’s critical perspective toward his brilliant German colleague. Former Metropolitan Opera violinist Erica Miner is an award-winning author, screenwriter, lecturer, and journalist who actively contributes to major arts websites and magazines. Erica’s Opera Mystery novel series, published by Level Best Books and based on her own experience into the behind-the-scenes happenings that take place in the opera world.

DIE FEEN

An exploration of Wagner’s first

opera.

In the world of opera, one of the most dynamic and demonstrative titans, Richard Wagner, had to start somewhere. Wagner’s first opera Die Feen was completed in 1883, when he was just 20 years old. Yet, within its other worldly setting and its early musical structure, one can hear the melodic presence of embryonic leitmotifs to be heard in his later works. In this stage presentation, the opera is condensed to approximately 48 minutes and partially fashioned for children. Yet, we can still sense the music genius of the Der Ring Des Nibelungen taking his first flight from the nest. It is performed by the Stage Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, conducted by Kathileen Kelly.

THE FLAME OF TRUE LOVE

Lecture with Judith Cabaud

Sun., March 23rd, @ 11 AM PDT

Live via Zoom from France

Truly great compositions originate at the juncture of genius and passion. In 1857, Richard Wagner suddenly changed the focus of his musical endeavors. He abandoned Der Ring des Nibelungen, and tore through a short set of songs now known as the Wesendonck Lieder, and dove headlong into Tristan und Isolde, an opera whose seminal influence would ricochet down the ensuing century of Western romantic music. Why the dramatic shift? Wagner had been struck by lightning— her name was Mathilde Wesendonck. Judith, living in France has worked as a journalist, music critic and writer, has written a seminal work, called “Mathilde Wesendonck Isolde’s Dream” the only one of its kind.

FAITH AND MIRACLES IN THE

OPERAS OF WAGNER

Lecture with Desiree Mays

Sun., June 29th, @ 1 PM PDT

Live via Zoom

From a ring of power, a transformational tarnhelm, magic potions and flower maidens, to prayers to Teutonic gods and goddesses, priestlike knights of the grail, an exposé of the holy Eucharist, and more, the operas of Wagner are filled with faith and miracles. Why? Is there more to this than just theatrical narrative? Desiree Mays, a truly seasoned writer and lecturer on opera in vast arenas for decades, is also a well-versed Wagnerian. She has a clear understanding of Wagner’s texts and provides simulating thoughts about his works and beyond.

KLAUS FLORIAN VOGT RECITAL

“One of the premier Wagner tenors

of our time.”

Sat., Nov. 29th 2025, @ TBA

In person at the Colburn School

Klaus Florian Vogt is one of the finest Wagner tenors of our time. His repertoire covers mostly dramatic roles such as Lohengrin, Parsifal, Tannhäuser, Stolzing, Siegmund and Siegfried but also Florestan („Fidelio“), Paul („Die tote Stadt“) and Hoffmann („Les Contes d’Hoffmann“). It extends furthermore to lyric- dramatic roles such as Erik („Der fliegende Holländer“), and much more… He’s a much sought after guest at all major opera houses from the Bayreuth and Salzburg Festivals to Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, London, Barcelona, Vienna, Madrid, Milan, Toulouse, Helsinki, New York and Tokyo. Born in Holstein, in the North of Germany, Klaus Florian Vogt studied horn and played for several years with the Philharmonic State Orchestra Hamburg. Later he studied at the Conservatory in Lübeck and gave up his position as a horn player in the orchestra to become a tenor. He made his debut in Flensburg and then became a member of the company at the Opera in Dresden. Since 2003 he has been a freelance artist.