It’s hot on the holy hill. The mercury column shows 35 degrees. And far and wide still no scandal at the Bayreuth Festival! Although all the media try so hard. It’s summer slump, so at least the delightful Wagner madness should give something. But no: everything is dissolving even here up to now in pleasure. Unfortunately not Corona. Although substitutes have always been found for singers, conductors and instrumentalists.
Weeks ago, the “Zeit” wanted to get to the heart of the terribly bad atmosphere in the Festspielhaus. It was about things that did not go on sale, such as the unbundling of the various funding and decision-making bodies that had been called for for years and made life difficult for the artistic director Katharina Wagner. The former Minister of Culture Monika Grütters had already verbally initiated it, and hopefully her successor Claudia Roth will soon make it possible. Because 2026 is the 150th festival anniversary.
And then, punctually three days before the start of the festival, the local newspaper came with a MeToo “scandal” fanned by two women. The allegations have so far been anonymous and manageable. Nevertheless, they must be enlightened. Even Katharina Wagner got caught here, but as a robust boss, she always knew how to defend herself. If many passionate artists are cooped up in a small town for weeks, then this does not remain without – usually consensual – consequences.
Just remember one of the most famous Bayreuth infidelities. Hanna Schwarz, as Fricka in the century “Ring” in 1976 as the guardian of the marriage, announced years later that she had a relationship with Siegmund Peter Hofmann in real life as a vocalist, including their son.
And now, also more of a local farce, Edel-Lohengrin Klaus Florian Voigt in the most recent dress rehearsal instead of “See the Duke of Brabant! / May he be your protector!” sang the original version of the “Führer”, and that in Bayreuth! Whether by order or by mistake – we only say: 35 degrees and still no real scandal.
