WordStage Literary Concerts Presents - Paris 1860 - Wagner's Visit To Rossini

In 1860, Richard Wagner went to Paris to negotiate with the Opéra to mount a production of his new opera, Tannhäuser. While there, he made the obligatory visits to the great composers living in and around the city. His visit to Gioachino Rossini, arranged by the Parisian musician, critic and journalist Edmond Michotte, (who was present the historic meeting), was memorable, as the older Bel Canto school composer had reportedly made some very discouraging remarks about Wagner’s music, so Wagner went with more than a bit of trepidation. These rumors proved to be false and what ensued was an afternoon of an exchange of musical ideas and reminiscences about their careers and accomplishments, in which they shared opinions and stories of some of the great composers of their era, as well as the future of music in the years to come. This historic meeting was extensively noted in Michotte's eyewitness account, which he subsequently self-published in a pamphlet some 46 years later. 

Adapted from Michotte’s notes, the conversation between these two musical giants yields a treasure trove of humor, sagacity and mutual admiration. Their lively exchange of opinion, ideas and reminiscences will be underscored by transcriptions for solo piano of some of the works composed by the two of them and their contemporaries. 

The performance will be given at the Wright Chapel in the Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Ave. at Marlowe in Downtown Lakewood on Friday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is by a suggested donation of $10, but WordStage maintains a “Pay What You Can” policy in order to make our performances accessible to anyone interested in attending them.

For more information visit www.wordstageoh.com or call 216-712-6926.

Tim Tavcar

Performing Artist Tim Tavcar began his professional Theatrical/Musical career at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, Colorado. Since then his work as an actor, director, musician and lecturer has been seen in Cleveland, Akron, Chicago, Houston, Williamsburg, VA, Newport, RI, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, NYC’s Carnegie Recital Hall and on stages and in concert halls throughout Vermont. He currently serves as an Artistic Associate for Montpelier VT’s professional company – Lost Nation Theater Also in Vermont, he founded his Literary Concert Series, WordStage, in 2007, which received a Creation Grant from the Vermont State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition to creating, producing and directing WordStage performances here in Ohio and as well as Vermont, he has acted and/or directed at The Beck Center, The Blank Canvas Theatre, The Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland State University, Dobama Theatre and The Ensemble Theatre. He is currently a resident of the Westerly Apartments in Lakewood and is a member of the Lakewood Presbyterian Chancel Choir and the Vocal Ensemble “Good Company “.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 3:38 PM, 11.09.2016