GERMANY:THE BAYREUTH festival is to be headed in future by the two great granddaughters of Richard Wagner, ending a decade-long battle between the composer's heirs, writes Derek Scallyin Berlin
The foundation that manages the festival handed control of the festival to half-sisters Katharina Wagner (30) and Eva Wagner- Pasquier (63) yesterday, reflecting the wishes of departing festival director Wolfgang Wagner (89).
He has headed the festival for 57 years and been the sole director since the death 40 years ago of his brother, Wieland.
Wieland's daughter Nike, who presented her own plan to run the festival, said she was disappointed by the decision. She had proposed a thorough reworking of the festival and suggested opening it to composers other than Wagner.
But the Wagner foundation said they favoured Eva and Katharina because their age difference could guarantee continuity in coming generations.
The two half-sisters, who hadn't spoken for years until launching their succession plan, have promised a milder rejuvenation in co- operation with festival conductor Christian Thielemann.
Many Wagnerians will be relieved that neither woman intends to direct: Katharina's directorial debut, a production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg was roundly panned last year.
Katharina will be charged with public relations matters while Eva will handle casting matters.
Seven years ago the foundation voted to give the festival director job to Eva, but she handed her contract back after her father, Wolfgang Wagner, refused to resign and dubbed his daughter "incompetent".
