'Without enthusiasm, it is impossible. In your hearts - that is the key to success of Wagner's Ring," said Alexander Anissimov, the man from Minsk. He will conduct the the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland when it plays the four operas that form Wagner's Ring cycle.
The complete cycle will be performed over four nights this August at the University Concert Hall, Limerick and then in Birmingham the following week.
"The scale and complexity of this ambitious project is overwhelming," said Dr Michael Woods, Minister for Education and Science, at a party to proclaim the plan. The proposed performance involves over 15 hours of music.
Suzanne Murphy, the Limerick-born soprano, was chatting to her brother, Michael Murphy, director of the concert hall in Limerick.
Joanna Crooks, general manager of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, was congratulated by Woods for "determination, dedication that is nothing short of staggering".
Tim Mahony, chairman of Toyota Ireland, gave the enterprise sponsorship and his blessing.
Duagh man John Dennehy, secretary-general of the Department of Education and Science, came along in his capacity as chair of the NYOI. Gearóid Grant, the conductor of The Irish Times "Music in the Classroom" series for 13 years, was another with a particular interest in the occasion.
The musicians, such as Orla O'Kane, who plays the viola, Pauline Fleming, violin leader, and Eoin Quinlan, are already practising "day and night".
"Music is for young people in heart," said Anissimov. "Music is very important for health.It is a very important part of life." Wagner "was absolutely normal man. He had very difficult life. Two marriages, very big problems in political way but very strong because he dream about Ring for operas . . . it was dream of his life."
Among those expected to attend the Wagner Ring Festival is Nike Wagner, the great granddaughter of the composer. She is a literary scholar, music critic and cultural commentator, according to Dr Joachim Fischer, of the University of Limerick.
The first opera will be performed in Limerick on Monday, August 5th.