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 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 education, critique, 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 Boston Wagner Society presents high-quality, low-cost public 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.
The Society provides opportunities for young potential Wagnerian singers to develop the style, musicality, and acting ability needed for Wagnerian repertoire, particularly through their summer training program, the American Wagner Festival, which aims to educate younger generations of Wagnerian voices.
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. The society collaborates with and assists other music organizations in their performances of Wagner’s music and other presentations.
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.
Boston Wagner Society Board
Jane Eaglen (President)
Maria Bozich, Dalia Geffen, Roy Hage, Kirsten Hart, Brett Hodgdon, Jane Shivick, Mark Tempesta
Staff: Kat Skafidas (Artistic Administrator)
Distinguished Advisory Council
Boston Wagner Society is proud and honored to acknowledge these great Wagnerians as our Distinguished Advisory Council.
Stephanie sang her first Fricka in Stephen Wadsworth’s ‘Green Ring’ in Seattle and has gone on to perform the role on many occasions.
Ms. Dalayman is renowned for her portrayal of both soprano and mezzo Wagnerian roles, including Brünnhilde, Brangane, and Fricka.
Mark is lauded for his performances of Flying Dutchman and Wotan, in addition to his wide-ranging repertoire from Verdi to Sweeney Todd.
Michelle is well known for her portrayals of many of Wagner’s mezzos, including Brangäne, Venus, Fricka, and Waltraute.
Greer’s long and award-winning career includes Wotan, Telramund, Dutchman, and Gunter. He is also an acclaimed Scarpia, Jochanan, and Macbeth.
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 is applauded for his iconic Tristan, Lohengrin, and Walter. He is also well-recognized as Beethoven’s Florestan.
James Morris is one of the greatest Wotan interpreters of his generation. He is equally known for his Hans Sachs and Scarpia.
Stephen is an award-winning director of opera and theater, well known for his groundbreaking Ring production for Seattle Opera.
Margaret Jane has performed Sieglinde, Gutrune, and Third Norn with great success at the Metropolitan Opera and many other houses.
In Memoriam: Graham Clark (1941-2023)
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
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.
Obituary: MacDonald, Rockwell, & MacDonald Funeral Home
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.
