Following the dramatised readings of The Flying Dutchman and Tannhäuser last year, Jamie McGregor again reprises the role of Richard Wagner reading the text of his opera Lohengrin.
Following the dramatised readings of The Flying Dutchman and Tannhäuser last year, Jamie McGregor again reprises the role of Richard Wagner reading the text of his opera Lohengrin.
The reading has been designed to introduce and complement an original audio-visual presentation of the opera itself, subdivided into conveniently sized and dramatically coherent episodes.
The "Wagner reading Wagner" project is an innovative, entertaining and illuminating new approach to the perennially controversial German composer and an unusually accessible introduction to his supposedly forbidding musical dramas.
The readings will not only appeal to opera aficionados but to anyone with an interest in Romantic mythology and fairy tale, or even to those simply curious to see an English lecturer impersonating a 19th century composer.
No specialist knowledge of the subject is necessary as both the story and the music of the opera have an immediate appeal. Audiences have the option of attending the event either in full or in part, as the opera will be presented over three consecutive evenings.
Act I, "The Forbidden Question", will be on 3 September, followed by Act II, "The Temptation of Elsa", on 4 September and Act III, "The Revelation of the Secret", on 5 September.
Performances are from 6.30 to 8pm at the Beethoven Room at Rhodes. Admission is free. For more information, visit the website: http://thelessthanperfectwagnerite.blogspot.com
