The concert “Verstummte Stimmen” (Silenced Voices) is scheduled for July 26, ahead of the premiere of Wagner’s opera “Rienzi.” It will feature works by Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, and the Jewish composer Pavel Haas, who was murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for Israeli musicians.
Heinz-Dieter Sense had justified the cancellation citing security concerns, claiming authorities could not handle two high-security operations on the same day. However, both the Upper Franconia Police Headquarters and the city of Bayreuth stated they had not been involved in the planning. Friedman himself questioned the official explanation, calling it a “mirage.”
Katharina Wagner personally apologized to Friedman, who accepted. “When someone reaches out, you should meet them halfway,” Friedman said. He considers Wagner’s words of regret sincere and credible.
Source: www.dw.com
