Parsifal is coming to the Temple in 2025
Legends of the Knights Templar loom large in Wagner’s last music drama.
The Grail Knights in Wagner’s source, von Eschenbach’s Perzival, are ‘Templeisen’; and the Knights’ Hall at the Bayreuth premiere, 1882, was a Romanesque Rotunda, uncannily like our our own Round Church. (Ours – the Templars’ chapterhouse – was new when von Eschenbach, c. 1200, envisioned his Templeisen and their Hall.)
The founding fathers of the Temple Music Foundation dreamt of the day when this sublime music might be heard in the Temple Church. That long-held vision is set to become a reality in 2025, with a fully-staged production of the final act from Wagner’s epic work – including the famous Good Friday Music. The performances take place on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th April.
From the achingly beautiful Prelude to the transcendent finale, the particular acoustics of the Round Church are sure to cast a magical spell on the production. A new arrangement for 35-piece orchestra has been co-commissioned (with Scotland’s Mahler Players) from Professor Matthew King. And a handpicked cast and creative team has been assembled, including the Wagnerian conductor Peter Selwyn (fresh from assisting at Bayreuth).
We need your help
We must raise £80,000 for such an ambitious project. Please consider sponsoring it. Donations of £250 - £5,000 are sought.