THE SOCIETY OF THE FRIENDS OF BAYREUTH
Together with the brothers Wieland Wagner and Wolfgang Wagner, Wagner lovers founded the Society of Friends of Bayreuth in 1949 in order to enable the Bayreuth Festival to be relaunched as its creator had intended. Up to the present day, 75 years after the Society’s foundation, the Friends have been able to pass on about 152 million euros to the Festival management for refurbishment work on the Festspielhaus, building rehearsal stages and workshops, investments in the stage technology, Festival operations and numerous special projects.
In one of the biggest international associations of patrons, being a Friend means more than pledging the financial commitment but also taking part in a constant exchange and discussion of the presentation and interpretation of Richard Wagner’s works and ideas. Even though the artistic decisions are the sole prerogative of the Festival management, the Friends still engage in passionate and controversial debates over them. Our events and publications offer a broad forum for that.
We would love to welcome you to our circle and see you demonstrate your affinity to the Bayreuth Festival by becoming a Member, making a donation or additional endowment.
