Newsletter No.1 5th February 1981

Dear Music Lover,

Since our first public meeting on 26th October 1980, the steering committee has been working steadily on the many small details of administration and organisation, and we are now established as an unincorporated society, with our own constitution. At the same time, it has been possible to devise a most interesting program for the coming year.

As our membership is still fairly small, our first function will be a rather low-key affair, to test the public's reaction to the society's existence, and to not over-extend ourselves financially. It will take the form of a short film night, on Monday, 9th March at 6.00p.m. The venue is the A.M.P. Theatrette, Circular Quay, and the film covers the Bayreuth Centenary. There wi11 be no entrance fee charged, but a small donation towards the cost of refreshments will be appreciated.

The first Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 22nd May, when elections will be held for Committee. The members of the interim Committee will stand down, and whilst making themselves available for re-election, they will encourage interested and enthusiastic subscribers to stand for office.

After the business of the meeting, at about 8:00 p.m., a celebration party will he held in honour of Richard Wagner's Birthday. Presentations wi11 be made on this occasion to the foundation members who have so generously helped the Society in its infancy.

The long awaited concert performance of Gà ¶tterdämmerung is coming this year and to prepare us for it; an evening is being arranged on Monday, 6th July. Mr. Warner Baer, Sydney's foremost Wagner authority, will give a talk on the musical analysis of this great work. An accomplished musician, Mr. Baer will illustrate his explanation of the important themes on the piano. Gà ¶tterdämmerung is being performed on September 30th and October 3rd and the Wagner Society will be making block bookings for its members' benefit. On the Saturday performance which starts at 4:30 p.m., in the long first interva1, a light meal has been arranged in the private room at the Opera House for Wagner Society members. It is hoped our Patron, Sir Charles Mackerras, will be able to join us on this occasion and meet members of the Society. Members should let the Committee know as soon as possible of their intention to attend these performances - as well as those of Die Walküre in Melbourne on 25th and 27th August - so that tickets can be organised.

Note those dates in your diary now, so that you do not miss out on these exciting events. More details will be sent in future News Letters. The Committee is confident that the formation of the Wagner Society has been worthwhile and will fill a big need in the local music scene.

Leonard Hansen - President.

Sue Kelly - Vice President.

Richard King -Secretary/Treasurer.