About the Academy
The Richard Wagner Academy (RWA) of the Dresdner Musikfestspiele was born from the wish to perpetuate the work accomplished so far with »The Wagner Cycles«. The ambitious goal of the project is the systematic reconstruction of Wagner’s »Der Ring des Nibelungen« from the perspective and employing the methods of historically informed performance practice. This field of knowledge gives rise to workshop offerings, publications and much more, enabling a transfer of knowledge from musicology to practical musicianship. These offerings will be expanded to include young artists and the interested public as well.
In a dialogue with partners from the music world, academic research, business and politics as well as international artists, the RWA aims to establish a research and competence centre for the long run, focusing on an artistic and academic exploration of 19th-century performance practice, especially pertaining to musical theatre and Richard Wagner’s oeuvre. Wagner is the Academy’s namesake not only because of his close connection to the city of Dresden, but also because of his fundamental influence on the world of 19th-century opera – with all the highs and lows this implies.
»For the Dresdner Musikfestspiele, the Richard Wagner Academy is a visionary project now being developed in the Wagner city of Dresden. Musicologists, musicians and vocalists from all over Europe will examine the composer’s works under the aspect of historically informed performance practice in workshops and rehearsals, all leading to concert performances of the operas. Dresden is the city where Wagner attended the Kreuzschule school, later became Court Kapellmeister and was finally wanted by the authorities for revolutionary activities. Current research and performance practice meet history and tradition. We are proud and delighted to contribute to a new understanding of Richard Wagner’s music with this fascinating project,«
says Jan Vogler, Artistic Director
A Research Centre
The plan is to establish an international research centre in cooperation with academic and musical institutions in Germany and abroad. A broad program of activities will be dedicated to the music of the 19th century, explicitly including musical theatre. The focus is on aspects of performance practice, and thus on the (historical) implementation of music.
The following undertakings are planned:
- The establishment of a comprehensive digital collection of sources on 19th-century performance practice
- Academic events, such as symposia, workshops or colloquia
- The publication of a dedicated series of writings via open access
A Centre of Competency
As a centre of competency, the Richard Wagner Academy aims to be a destination for all interested parties wishing to delve into the world of performance practice, including for their own productions of music of this era. This includes a comprehensive schedule of events and offers of consultations, in cooperation with external partners. Critical discourse is understood as an explicit part of this undertaking, for example regarding Wagner’s anti-Semitism. The project also includes workshops, master courses and the Academy’s own concert series. The RWA considers itself as part of a worldwide network for the exchange of knowledge and information in the field of historically informed performance practice and, more specifically
