Newsletter No. 2, April 1981

The first public function of the Wagner Society - the film evening on March 9th - was an unqualified success, with a capacity crowd filling the A.M.P. Theatrette to watch the documentaries covering the Bayreuth and "Ring" centenary. Unfortunately, a few people could not be accommodated in the full house, or could not attend that night, and the Secretary would like to hear from those so inconvenienced. Of those who did attend, many became member of the Society and most made a welcome donation towards the cost of the evening. The Committee extends a hearty welcome to the new members and thanks all members for their patience in waiting for their membership card - here it is!

The first Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, May 22nd, at 7.30 p.m. at the Concordia Club ... This Club, with which the Wagner Society is not affiliated in any way, has generously made available at no cost the room for our meeting. Refreshments will be served after the meeting for the Richard Wagner Birthday Celebration ... Members may bring friends, but only members may vote at the meeting and be eligible for election to Committee.

An afternoon of recorded music is being planned for members and friends on Sunday, 21st June, between 11 am and 5 pm at 141 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo (Approach via Cathedral Street). Any member with a rare or historic recording to be played should contact the Secretary. Bring a cushion but, please, no food or drink.

On Monday, 6th July, at 6 pm at the W.E.A. Auditorium, 72 Bathurst Street, Sydney, Mr Werner Baer, M.B.E., will address the Wagner Society with an analysis of the music in the Prelude to Gà ¶tterdämmerung. The significant "Leitmotiven" of the Norn and Valkyrie rock scenes will be illustrated by an introduction to the opera, members are advised that some prior acquaintance with the Ring cycle will aid comprehension and enjoyment of Mr. Baer's talk. For those attending the concert performance of Gà ¶tterdämmerung later in the year, this evening should be considered an important part of their own preparation in understanding more fully Wagner's masterpiece.

Detailed information is now being sought on the numbers wishing to attend Die Walküre in Melbourne in August. Please use the enclosed form for your replies, even if you have already indicated to us your intention of attending. Incidentally, the Committee is very proud to announce that, through the generosity of several members making donations to the Australian Opera, the Wagner Society will be recognised as the Official Sponsor of both Die Walküre and Gà ¶tterdämmerung. Thus the Society is succeeding in one of its major aims - to aid and promote the presentation of Wagner's works in Australia. Naturally, we hope to be able to make this an on-going trend.

The 1981 Bayreuth Festival takes place between July 25th and August 28th. Members who are attending should advise the Secretary of their time and location in Bayreuth so that they can contact fellow members there. Remember May 22nd - your opportunity to have your say in the running of the Wagner Society.