Mainly but not only about Das Rheingold.

Why did Wagner write it? Why is it like it is? Why do we still watch it?

LIONEL FRIEND is an orchestral and operatic conductor who has spent much of his life with

Wagner. He saw his first Ring in Bayreuth in 1968 and has subsequently acted as assistant

to, amongst others, Reginald Goodall in London and Daniel Barenboim in Bayreuth. He has

himself conducted Wagner in the UK, America and Australia.

Other especial operatic enthusiasms are Mozart and Janáček. In addition he has recorded a

number of CDs and conducted a wide range of concert repertoire from Haydn and

Beethoven to Boulez and beyond that has included more than one hundred world

premieres.

This event will be held at Swedenborg Hall, London, WC1A 2TH. 7pm for a 7.30pm start.