About Us
The Boston Wagner Society, founded by Dalia Geffen in 2004, is a nonprofit organization striving to promote the enjoyment and knowledge of Richard Wagner’s enchanting and profound operas, as well as his songs and instrumental music.
As of 2022, Dalia has graciously retired, giving the helm to renowned Wagnerian singer Jane Eaglen. With Jane as president, Dalia still writes and edits our newsletter, Wagneriana.
Our Mission Statement
To promote the knowledge and appreciation of Richard Wagner’s music and operatic themes through lectures, recitals, concerts, open discussions, and presentations.
To provide opportunities for young potential Wagnerian singers to develop the style, musicality, and acting expertise required for the Wagnerian repertoire.
To conduct such other activities and programs in furtherance of the foregoing purposes as may be carried out by a corporation organized under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 180 and described in Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
Activities
The society presents high-quality, low-cost performances of Wagner’s works featuring international and local singers, as well as offering promising artists an opportunity to perform excerpts from Wagner’s operas. These concerts are open to the general public.
It regularly invites scholars and authors to present audiovisual materials on various aspects of Wagner’s music, his librettos, and his life. Many of these events are free, and all of them are open to the general public.
It publishes the quarterly newsletter Wagneriana, which includes essays on Wagner’s music; reviews of live performances, CDs, and DVDs; and reports on Wagner-related events of interest. The society collaborates with and assists other music organizations in their performances of Wagner’s music and other presentations.
It offers members an opportunity to purchase much-coveted tickets to the Bayreuth Festival and provides discounts to Wagnerian performances in the area and other cities.
Distinguished Advisory Board
Boston Wagner Society is proud and honored to acknowledge these great Wagnerians as our Distinguished Advisory Council.
Stephanie Blythe
Stephanie sang her first Fricka in Stephen Wadsworth’s ‘Green Ring’ in Seattle and has gone on to perform the role on many occasions.
Katarina Dalayman
Ms. Dalayman is renowned for her portrayal of both soprano and mezzo Wagnerian roles, including Brünnhilde, Brangane, and Fricka.
Mark Delavan
Mark is lauded for his performances of Flying Dutchman and Wotan, in addition to his wide-ranging repertoire from Verdi to Sweeney Todd.
Michelle De Young
Michelle is well known for her portrayals of many of Wagner’s mezzos, including Brangäne, Venus, Fricka, and Waltraute.
Greer Grimsley
Greer’s long and award-winning career includes Wotan, Telramund, Dutchman, and Gunter. He is also an acclaimed Scarpia, Jochanan, and Macbeth.
Gordon Hawkins
Gordon’s highly praised performances include Alberich, Gunter, and Telramund. He is also well known for his Verdi work and for his portrayal of Porgy.
Ben Heppner
Ben Heppner is applauded for his iconic Tristan, Lohengrin, and Walter. He is also well-recognized as Beethoven’s Florestan.
James Morris
James Morris is one of the greatest Wotan interpreters of his generation. He is equally known for his Hans Sachs and Scarpia.
Stephen Wadsworth
Stephen is an award-winning director of opera and theater, well known for his groundbreaking Ring production for Seattle Opera.
In Memoriam: Graham Clark (1941-2023)
Margaret Jane Wray
Margaret Jane has performed Sieglinde, Gutrune, and Third Norn with great success at the Metropolitan Opera and many other houses.
Graham Clark was known as the greatest Mime of his generation, and his chemistry with Siegfried Jerusalem’s Siegfried was legendary.
A member of our Distinguished Advisory Board, we gratefully acknowledge the life and passing of the late and great Wagnerian, Graham Clark, who died at 81.
Obituaries: Opera News, Opera Wire, The Guardian
In Memoriam: Stephen Gould (1962-2023)
We as a society are extremely saddened to hear of the death of the great Wagnerian heldentenor, Stephen Gould, who passed away at 61. He had to suddenly retire recently due to a cancer diagnosis that took his life. Stephen was a lovely artist and soul.
“I am grateful to Bayreuth, for teaching me all that I could have hoped to know about the performance of this great musician’s works. With many fond memories… Stephen Gould”
Obituaries: New York Times, Opera Wire, AP News
Other Wagner Societies of Note
Honoring the life of Susan Robertson
It is with great sadness that one of our valued board members, Susan Robertson, passed away in 2023. She was responsible for BWS website maintenance for many years and was our graphic design expert. She loved BWS, the music, and the collaboration.
VISITATION
Wednesday, September 27, 2023; 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
MacDonald, Rockwell, & MacDonald Funeral Home
270 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472
It was a request on behalf of Susan and her family that donations be made directly to the Boston Wagner Society. She loved to see BWS thrive and volunteered countless hours. Please consider making a BWS donation in honor of Susan, or sending flowers via her obituary page above.
