SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2024: CHRISTMAS CONCERT & PARTY

 

Top: Amanda Windred & Celeste Haworth; Below: Yerim Lee

Top: Amanda Windred & Celeste Haworth
Below: Yerim Lee

 

2.00pm:
Concert by soprano Amanda Windred & mezzo Celeste Haworth,
accompanied by
collaborative pianist Yerim Lee,
and Christmas party,
including a book sale and raffle for prizes

Venue: Goethe Institut, Event Hall [upstairs],
90 Ocean Street (cnr Jersey Road)
Woollahra

Tickets:
Tickets are $40 (members), $50 (non-members), $20 (FT students)

GET TICKETS HERE

or pay at the door.
 

CONCERT PROGRAM

The program includes works by Wagner, Brahms, Strauss and Beethoven.


ABOUT AMANDA WINDRED

[Amanda Windred has been sponsored by and performed in the past for the Wagner Society in NSW].

Amanda Windred is an accomplished soprano celebrated for her versatility, dramatic prowess, and ability to bring complex characters to life. Her career reflects a dedication to excellence, from her commanding stage presence to her rich vocal artistry.

In 2024, Amanda captivated audiences as Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro and covered the role of Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor with Melbourne Opera. She also attended the Dramatic Voices Program in Berlin, where she workshopped the title role in Strauss’ Elektra. In addition, she joined Forest Collective as a core group member, expanding her artistic horizons in the contemporary music scene. Amanda continues her association with Melbourne Opera as a 2024-2025 Richard Divall Emerging Artist, contributing to their productions with her exceptional talent.

Amanda’s 2024 season also featured the critically acclaimed Villains and Valkyries concerts, conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith [WSNSW member]. These performances, sponsored by the Wagner Society in NSW, showcased Amanda singing three roles: two Walküren from Wagner’s Die Walküre and Mary from Der fliegende Holländer.

Her 2025 season promises further highlights, beginning with an apprentice role in Melbourne Opera’s production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg in February. She will also perform the role of Helen in the Australian premiere of Fat Pig in June, a collaboration between Forest Collective, BK Opera, and fortyfivedownstairs.

In 2023, Amanda delivered a standout performance as Vava in Melbourne, Cheremushki with Victorian Opera while continuing to develop her artistry as a Richard Divall Emerging Artist. That year, she also covered the roles of Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor and Anna in Maria Stuarda, showcasing her adaptability and dramatic depth.

Amanda’s international journey began in 2016 when she made her debut as Mrs Grose in Turn of the Screw at the Miami Music Festival. She further cemented her international presence in 2022, performing as Nella in Gianni Schicchi with Berlin Opernfest. Closer to home, her early career included covering the role of Turandot in Opera Australia’s production of Turandot in 2015.

Her impressive career is built on a foundation of rigorous training. Amanda studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, earning an Advanced Diploma of Opera in 2011 and a Graduate Diploma of Music in 2012. She then pursued a Master of Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, graduating in 2013 with Academic Excellence. Amanda further honed her craft at the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School (2012-2013), the Miami Music Festival (2016), the Berlin Opera Academy (2022), and most recently, the Dramatic Voices Program in Berlin (2024).

In addition to opera, Amanda has excelled on the concert stage. She has performed as a soloist in Joyeux Noël (2022) and Opera at Langford with Opera Northwest (2017). Other highlights include collaborating with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for The Food of Love (2014) and performing in the concert Opera Favourites: A Bicentennial Celebration of Verdi & Wagner with the Queensland Choir and QUMS (2013). Amanda also performed in the Swords and Winterstorms concert for the Wagner Society in NSW in August 2013, further underlining her connection to Wagner’s repertoire.

From her early education to her performances on international stages, Amanda Windred’s journey reflects her passion and dedication to opera. With an ever-expanding repertoire and a compelling voice, she continues to inspire audiences and aims to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.


ABOUT CELESTE HAWORTH

[Celeste Haworth has performed previously for the Wagner Society in NSW].

Celeste Haworth has performed many roles as a principal artist in Europe, Australia and Asia and has been a regular principal artist with Opera Australia, the State Theatre of Wiesbaden, and the annual Wien Modern Festival in Vienna.

The Australian mezzo made several international role debuts in Germany for the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden between 2016-1018, with roles including Emilia (Otello, Verdi), Meg Page (Falstaff, Verdi), 3rd Maid (Elektra, Strauss), Kate Pinkerton and Suzuki (Madama Butterfly, Puccini), Innkeeper (Boris Godunov, Mussorgsky), Marcellina (Le Nozze Di Figaro, Mozart), and notably as Charlotte in Zimmerman’s challenging Die Soldaten. All performances were a critical and public success.

She has also given several recitals at Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden, Giessen Musik Festival, Schloss Burg Reichenstein, Trechtingshausen and Kammer Musik Wiesbaden.

Celeste performed extensively as a soloist with renowned orchestras including the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Early Music Ensemble, the Deutsches Kammer Orchester in connection with the Frankfurter Philharmoniker, Wien Residenz Orchester and the Sydney Sinfonietta.

Currently based in Sydney as an artist with Opera Australia, Celeste has been singing at the Sydney Opera House, starting with Opera Australia’s Great Opera Hits Concert Series in 2019. Celeste has added to her Opera Australia repertoire ever since, including her acclaimed role debut of Flora in La Traviata on Sydney Harbour, Mercedes in Opera Australia’s National 2020 Tour of Carmen, the continuation of the Great Opera Hits Concert Series, and her reprisal of Flora in 2022 in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Celeste was delighted to step into more dramatic repertoire with her role debut as First Norn in Opera Australia’s 2023 Ring Cycle, whilst simultaneously covering the role of Erda. More recently for Opera Australia Celeste performed the role of the Monitor in Suor Angelica and covered the role of Ciesca in Gianni Schicci.

Recent concert work includes the alto soloist in Mahler’s 2nd, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Verdi’s Requiem.

 

ABOUT YERIM LEE 

Yerim Lee is a highly regarded collaborative pianist known for her extensive repertoire and strong artistic commitment in her musical collaborations. Her approach to interpretation and interaction with fellow musicians is characterised by creativity and musical insight.

Originally from Korea, Yerim Lee moved to Australia in 2011 and shifted her focus to a career as a collaborative pianist. She earned her Master of Music in Collaborative Piano while studying under notable mentors like Jeanell Carrigan, David Miller, and Phillip Shovk.

For the past decade, Yerim Lee has been an integral part of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, working as a chamber pianist. Her skills have been in demand by various musical institutions, and she has been a regular associate artist at events like the International Viola Convention, the Sydney Eisteddfod, and the masterclasses organised by the Sydney International Piano Competition.

Yerim Lee has showcased her talents through numerous recitals, often collaborating with respected Australian musicians. She has also performed at the Sydney Opera House, participating in events such as the International Honours Performance with the Carnegie Hall Festival Choir, conducted by Dr Lynne Gackle, and as a guest artist in the world premiere of Matthew Hindson's Electric Rain in 2019. And she performed as Co-soloist in the world premiere of Daniel Rojas' Danza & Romanza de las Muertos for piano four hands and symphony orchestra, Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, in the Villains and Valkyries concerts, conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith [WSNSW member] in 2023. In 2024, Yerim performed as a chamber pianist at the Orange Chamber Music Festival.

As an established artist, Yerim Lee is currently holds position at the collaborative faculty of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, remains actively involved in various performance and pedagogical roles, supporting emerging and professional musicians in their artistic journeys.

 

WAGNER SOCIETY EVENTS IN 2024

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COMING SOCIETY EVENTS IN 2024

updated 18 November

Sunday 
1 December
no DVD 2.00pm: Christmas concert and party

Details

GET TICKETS HERE

Goethe Institut *

 

PAST EVENTS IN 2024
Sunday
11 February
12.50pm: DVD - 
SOH Opening Concert

 


2.00pm: A discussion of the Brisbane Ring, led by Helden bass-baritone Warwick Fyfe

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *
Wednesday
21 February
8.00pm: German soprano Alexandra Steiner in conversation from Germany with Ross Whitelaw

Details

Photos

via Zoom from Berlin
Sunday 
10 March
12.30pm: DVD -
Erich Leinsdorf in rehearsal & performance
2.00pm: A talk by Heldentenor Simon O’Neill covering his life with Wagner

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *
Wednesday
20 March
7.00pm: A talk on Wagner in Britain by broadcaster Christopher Cook interviewed by Ross Whitelaw

Details

Photos

via Zoom from England

Sunday  
21 April

POSTPONED

12.30pm: DVD - Weber’s Euryanthe (3 Acts) + discussion of production

POSTPONED

  Goethe Institut *
Sunday 
19 May
2.00pm: Concert with soprano Valda Wilson, bass baritone Eugene Raggio and pianists Katherine Day & Thomas Johnson 
followed by Wagner’s birthday celebration

Program

Photos 1 & Photos 2

Goethe Institut *
Sunday 
16 June
12.00pm: Special Bloomsday live zoom at the Goethe Institut - American music critic & author Alex Ross talks from Los Angeles about Joyce and Wagner.

1.15pm: AGM [only financial members may vote]

2.00pm: DVD - Christian Thielemann My Richard Strauss   

Program

Zoom photos

AGM photos

Goethe Institut *
Wednesday 26 June 12.00pm: Talk via zoom by Chairman, Wagner Society of Southern California, Dr John Mastrogiovanni on Parsifal: The Will and Redemption

Details

Photos

Zoom
Sunday 
14 July
12.00pm:  DVD - Richard Strauss Gala from Dresden  2.00pm: Conversation with award-winning Australian baritone Simon Meadows, exploring his career and experiences in the music industry.

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *
Sunday
28 July
12.00pm: DVD - The Ring without words Lorin Maazel   2.00pm: On the 20th anniversary of the SOSA Ring, conversation with production & set designer Michael Scott-Mitchell and lighting designer Nick Schlieper about the Adelaide Ring

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *
Sunday
18 August
12.00pm: DVD - Lotte Lehmann Master Classes Vol. II 2.00pm: 'Love, Law and Power in Die Walküre' by Dr Antony Ernst, director, dramaturg, lecturer and arts administrator, and Director of the Royal Danish Orchestra

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *
Sunday    29 September 12.30pm: DVD - Richard Strauss and his Heroines         2.00pm: WSSA President Dr Geoffrey Seidel on 'Lola Montez - From Saxony to Sydney via Saxony'

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *

Sunday    20 October

CANCELLED

12.30pm: DVD - Ring highlights from Valencia – Zubin Mehta    

CANCELLED

2.00pm: Robert Gay, teacher of music history courses and leader of international musical and cultural tours, on Cosima Wagner

CANCELLED

TO BE RESCHEDULED IN 2025

 

Goethe institut*
Sunday 
10 November

10.30am: WSNSW Symposium on Die Walküre - the continuing series on The Ring in the week of the SSO-Simone Young performances

Speakers:

Esteban Insausti: Welcome and Introduction
Antony Ernst - Law and Power in Die Walküre
Thea Brejzek - Iconoclasm – Romeo Castelluccis’ 2024 Ring
at La Monnaie, Brussels: Die Walküre
Stephen Mould - Wagner – rehearsing and performing, on stage or in concert. [Reflections on Die Walküre in advance of a concert performance.]
Ysolt Clark - A mechanic in a room of poets - a perspective of playing the horn and Wagner Tuba in The Ring Cycle
Warwick Fyfe - Life Wasn’t Meant to be Easy - on performing a role with no easy bits.

Program

Photos

Goethe Institut *
Saturday 
16 November
4.00 - 6.00pm: WSNSW reception for other Wagner Societies Photos - more to come The Barnet Long Room, Customs House *

 

*Venues:

Goethe Institut
Event Hall (upstairs)
90 Ocean Street (cnr Jersey Road)
Woollahra NSW

St Columba Community Centre
53A Ocean Street (cnr Forth Street)
Woollahra NSW

The Barnet Long Room
Customs House
45 Alfred Street
Circular Quay
Sydney CBD 

WELCOME TO THE WAGNER SOCIETY IN NSW

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Our members are lovers of the music and operas of Richard Wagner and also support Wagnerian productions in Australia and emerging Wagnerian performers from NSW.

Why not become a member?
Apart from joining a group of fellow Wagnerians, there are many benefits. As a member, you can:

  • attending a variety of events each year at a reduced rate, including talks, seminars, concerts and films, with outstanding presenters and exciting performers, and with afternoon tea following each event - events are held most months usually on a Sunday starting at 2.00pm and normally at the Goethe Institut, 90 Ocean Street, Woollahra, Sydney. In addition, DVDs of Wagner operas or related areas are often shown before talks (but not before recitals or concerts). Click here for the current program.

  • attending a champagne celebration of Wagner’s birthday and a Christmas Party;

  • meeting and getting to know like-minded Wagnerians;

  • enjoying the fellowship of our extended network of music/theatre lovers when attending performances in Australia and overseas;

  • receiving four issues of the Wagner Quarterly per year as well as regular e-news and emails;

  • accessing the Society’s website with its list of events, photo gallery, views and reviews about Australian and international Wagner productions, all previous events, and much more, as well as the For Members Only section which includes all previous Quarterlies;

  • having the opportunity to access tickets for the annual Bayreuth Festival; and

  • knowing that you are helping to support emerging Wagnerian or potential Wagnerian performers from NSW as well as productions of Wagner in Australia.

Subscription rates and how to pay them plus the online New members application form are all available here.

If you have any enquiries about membership, please email your question to contact@wagner.org.au

 

herehttps://wagner.org.au/media/10-march-2024-heldentenor-simon-oneill-his-life-wagner