Lord Mayor Thomas Ebersberger and Festival Director Katharina Wagner welcomed the contributors and honored their commitment to Bayreuth Festival. “As your hosts, we would like to thank you for your loyalty and tireless dedication to the Festival. This gratitude also extends to your relatives and families, who we know often spend many weeks in our city with you,” said Lord Mayor Ebersberger at the reception in Haus Wahnfried. “Each of you contributes to Bayreuth’s image as a city of culture, to the good reputation of our city’s name worldwide.” Everywhere, Bayreuth is virtually identified with Wagner and the Festival. “And the fact that this is the case is essentially thanks to all of you.” 38 names are on this year’s list of honorees, among them contributors who have remained loyal to the Festival on the Green Hill for up to 40 years. Festival Choir Director Eberhard Friedrich received the Golden Ring of Honor from the City of Bayreuth on Wednesday “in recognition of his great merits”. Nearly all departments that keep the festival operations running smoothly are represented: from soloists, members of the musical assistance and the festival choir, to orchestra musicians, and those responsible for technology, makeup, and supernumeraries. They received – depending on the duration of their commitment to Bayreuth Festival – a “Schimmala” (ceramic mug with a pewter lid), a glass cube from the Festival Hall, or a Richard Wagner Medal.
City of Bayreuth Honors Long-Standing Contributors to Bayreuth Festival!
