We are again fortunate to have Daniel Freeman, musicologist and lecturer at the University of Minnesota, to share insights into one of Wagner's great German Romantic operas, Der Fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman).  For this session, Daniel will curate an exciting exploration of how this, Wagner's first "standard repertory" opera, originated in the historical and musical context of Germany in the 1830s-1840s, and how it foreshadows future developments in Wagner's art, especially Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung). To help Daniel illustrate various points in his presentation, a Wagnerian soprano, a heldentenor, and a piano accompanist will perform musical examples from Wagner's predecessors (e.g., lieder by Schubert and Schumann), Dutchman and Wagner's later operas. This event will feature substantial live musical performances by a terrific Wagnerian cast! 

Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages will be included in the price of registration. 

NOTE: The materials covered in this session (Dutchman I) and in our March 14 HD preview (Dutchman II) are different. This session focuses on the origins and legacy of The Flying Dutchman, while the March 14 session is exclusively focused on providing us with a preview of the opera just prior to the Met in HD broadcast. You can choose to attend either or both sessions independently of each other.

Daniel Freeman, musicologist

Megan Wagner-Floan, soprano

Obed Floan, tenor

Mary Box, piano

NOTE: Ms. Wagner-Floan and Mr. Floan have performed for RWSUM previously, and were very well-received.  Mary Box is an acclaimed pianist on staff for the Minnesota Opera.

Click here for Mr. Freeman's biography