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| The Bayreuth Bursary Fund |
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Wagner’s concept of his festival in Bayreuth was of a people’s festival, like those which took place more than 2000 years ago in Greece. Admission, as at those festivals, should be free. For obvious reasons, this was not possible, and so in 1882, a year before he died, he instigated a new form of ‘patronage’. This should at least offer ‘to talented friends of my art free admission to the festival and, in cases of need, re-imbursement of travelling costs and free accommodation’. That is how the Bursary Fund started. Nowadays the Wagner societies united in the International Association provide the necessary financial support to the Bayreuth Bursary Fund. The Society of Friends of Bayreuth also contributes funds. The Board of the Fund
is chaired by the Lord Major of Bayreuth Dr Michael Hohl. The Secretary
is Dr. Stefan Specht. Who can obtain a bursary? The Bayreuth Bursary Fund exists to promote and develop the Bayreuth Festival concept. To achieve this aim, it offers, in accordance with its statutes, free admission to several opera performances to talented young musicians, singers or other stage artists, who may become qualified as members of the coming generation for the Bayreuth orchestra or stage. Evidence of talent is to be provided by the employing theatre, conservatory, music school or others. Applicants should not be over 35 years. How to obtain a bursary? Applications are handled exclusively by chairpersons of Wagner societies. The decision on applications is made by the Board of the Bayreuth Bursary Fund early each year. A contribution to travel and accommodation costs is granted on request if justified (justified by information about the income of the applicant or of his/her parents in the case of a student without his/her own income). The bursary certificate is sent to the Wagner societies to be forwarded to the applicants. Bursaries 2010 Every year 250 bursaries are awarded to applicants from all over the world. For 25 bursaries from cities of Central and Eastern Europe, west-European Wagner Societies took sponsorship. In 2010 the bursaries will comprise three opera performances on 5, 6 and 7 August ("Die Meistersinger", "Lohengrin" and "Parsifal"), as well as a supporting program (visit of the Richard Wagner Museum and the Franz Liszt Museum, lunches, and a bursary holders’ party). For further
details please contact your nearest Wagner
society. |