Book Launch: Michael Downes’ “Story of the Century: Wagner and the creation of The Ring”

13 November | Swedenborg Hall | £5.00 – £20.00
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“Story of the Century: Wagner and the creation of The Ring” by Michael Downes: Book Launch in association with Faber

7pm, Wednesday 13th November, Swedenborg Hall, London, WC1A 2TH

Barry Millington will interview Michael Downes in this joint event with Faber & Faber for the launch of Michael’s new publication, “Story of the Century: Wagner and the creation of The Ring”. There will be a discounted price for the book available for members attending the event.

Michael Downes is an author, lecturer and conductor, and Director of Music at the University of St Andrews. He collaborated with Nike Wagner, greta-granddaughter of Richard, on the English version of her book and her family’s history and has written books both with and about British composer Jonathan Harvey.

The Ring is one of the most epic and compelling stories of the nineteenth century, created by a composer who was, alongside Dickens, Tolstoy and Victor-Hugo, also one of the century’s master storytellers. But the story of how Wagner created the work is one full of intrigue and triumphs against unlikely odds – as well as controversy, due to the composer’s anti-semitic views and popularity with the Nazi party. In “Story of the Century”, Michael Downes combines cultural history and biography to offer this accessible and insightful introduction to The Ring and its mythology. He tells the story of how and why this extraordinary masterpiece came into being, why it takes the form it does, why it fascinates and obsesses so many and horrifies others, and why it matters.

Breathtaking … as astonishing as it is illuminating.‘ SIMON CALLOW


Venue Details

Swedenborg Hall

Barter St
London, WC1A 2TH United Kingdom

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Members
£20.00
19 available
Student/Under 30 Members
£5.00
19 available