Glyndebourne, opened in 1934, became renowned for Mozart but has deep roots in Wagner, with founder John Christie yearning to present Parsifal since the festival's inception. His passion for Wagner was so strong that it remained a vision throughout his life, though it faced opposition from Wagner's widow, Cosima. In a historical turn, after 91 years, Glyndebourne will finally showcase Parsifal, intertwining the legacies of both the festival's founders and Wagner's significant contribution to opera history.
Ninety-one years after the festival's founding, John Christie will finally get his wish as Wagner's stage consecration play is performed at Glyndebourne for the first time.
Cosima came from a glittering artistic lineage: her father was Franz Liszt, her mother the celebrated writer Marie d'Agoult. When Cosima and Wagner began their scandalous affair, producing three children out of wedlock, she was married to Hans von Bulow.
Wagner himself died in Venice in February 1883, barely six months after the triumphant premiere of Parsifal, the only one of his 13 operas conceived with an understanding of the innovative auditorium.
Christie was a Germanophile and obsessed with the work of Richard Wagner. He was always hankering to do Parsifal at Glyndebourne as an Easter festival.
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