The Ring Cycle: Talks & Symposia

Enrich your Ring Cycle experience with talks and symposia events.

Wagner's operatic masterpiece is a tapestry of art, philosophy, and storytelling. These talks and symposia are designed to illuminate the symbolism, history, and artistic innovations that Wagner masterfully wove into his composition. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the world of Wagner, these sessions will deepen your appreciation for this cultural treasure.

Events include:

Pre-Performance Talks

Hosted by Performers, Academics and Artists, each session will run for approximately 30 minutes at the Lyric Balcony Foyer at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Each talk will offer insights in to the Ring Cycle whilst also considering perspectives from performers, conductors and choreographers. The pre-performance talks are free, seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

speakers

Tahu Matheson

Tahu is Head of Music at Opera Australia, a conductor and pianist and holds a Master of Music from Queensland Conservatorium. He has performed and recorded throughout Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Professor Warren Bebbington AM

Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, Professor Bebbington was Director of the University of Melbourne Conservatorium for 17 years and before that Head of Music, University of Queensland.

Tim Munro

Tim is Associate Professor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, flautist, writer and broadcaster.

Thomas Allely

Thomas is the Principal Tuba of Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and also teaches at the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University.

With Guests

Sarah Sweeting

Award winning mezzo-soprano Sarah Sweeting will perform as Fricka in the 2023 Ring Cycle.

Akasia Ruth Inchaustegui

Born and raised in Peru, Ruthy danced at every chance she would get, making her imagination a world of endless limitation.

David Parkin

Award winning bass David Parkin has performed many roles with Opera Australia, he will play Fasolt in the 2023 Ring Cycle.

Philippe Auguin

Philippe Auguin is one of the most sought after conductors of his generation, highly successful both in the operatic and symphonic field.

schedule

Cycle 1

Das Rheingold

  • Fri 1 Dec, 6:15pm
  • Speaker: Tahu Matheson, Rheingold: Drama and Force

Die Walküre

Siegfried

Götterdämmerung

  • Thu 7 Dec, 3:15pm
  • Speaker: Thomas Allely, Talk on Götterdämmerung

Cycle 2

Das Rheingold

Die Walküre

Siegfried

Götterdämmerung

  • Thu 14 Dec, 3:15pm
  • Speaker: Thomas Allely, Talk on Götterdämmerung

Cycle 3

Das Rheingold

  • Fri 15 Dec, 6:15pm
  • Speaker: Tahu Matheson, Rheingold: Drama and Force

Die Walküre

Siegfried

Götterdämmerung

  • Thu 21 Dec, 12:15pm
  • Speaker: Thomas Allely, Talk on Götterdämmerung

Talks & Symposia with Dr Peter Bassett

Hear international Wagner authority Dr Peter Bassett and other Wagner scholars, members of the Brisbane Ring production team, singers and orchestral musicians discuss the implications of Wagner’s incomparable work in a Ring Symposium during each cycle. And enrich your Ring experience with Talks in the mornings of each performance day.

The Pre-Performance Talks and Symposia will take place in the Queensland Museum Theatre, next to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre where the Ring Cycle will be performed.

Find out more

Free Online Webinar

Presented by Professor Warren Bebbington, watch the webinar series, Making Sense of Wagner’s Ring, currently available for free compliments of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Find out more