“Wagner, Schoenberg and American Culture” Lecture by Kenneth Marcus First in La Verne’s “Ring” Series
“Richard Wagner and Arnold Schoenberg, both products of the “Old World,” are recognized for their landmark achievements in music. But these European-born composers also greatly influenced the “New World” in ways still being experienced today.
In his upcoming lecture, “Wagner, Schoenberg, and American Culture,” University of La Verne Associate Professor Kenneth Marcus will look at Wagner and Schoenberg’s impact in the United States. It is the first of five presentations in the “Ring Festival La Verne” series, part of Ring Festival L.A., the regional multimedia celebration referred to as the most interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, collaborative artistic and cultural event to occur anywhere.
Scheduled to begin at noon on Monday, Feb. 1, Marcus’ talk will take place in the Presidents Dining Room at Davenport Dining Hall on La Verne’s main campus. All five lectures in the “Ring La Verne” series are open to the general public and admission is free. Directions to the university and a map of the main campus are available online at www.laverne.edu/about/maps-directions/.
More than 125 years after his death, Wagner’s operas remain enormously popular. Schoenberg, who moved to the U.S. in 1934, wrote challenging music that continues to both provoke and fascinate audiences. During his talk, Marcus will focus on Schoenberg’s depiction of Wagner’s music as a vital experiment in dissonance.
Coordinated by English Department Chair David Werner and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Alfred Clark, the Ring Festival La Verne Series is included in the “Talks & Symposia” portion of Ring Festival L.A. While the key component of the festival runs from April-June 2010, related events such as the La Verne series are underway and combine to create a regional celebration of the arts.
“La Verne, through its participation in Ring Festival L.A., joins dozens of educational and cultural institutions in promoting the place and importance of Art and the Humanities in the intellectual and emotional life of Southern California,” said Werner. “Los Angeles Opera’s production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle of operas is an important cultural milestone for Southern California, and the University of La Verne is proud to be a part of this historic event.
Complete information on the entire Ring Festival L.A. is available at www.ringfestivalla.com.
“RING FESTIVAL LA VERNE” LECTURE SERIES
Part of Ring Festival L.A.
● “Wagner, Schoenberg, and American Culture”
Monday, Feb. 1 Noon Presidents Dining Room
Kenneth Marcus, associate professor of History
● “German Nationalism and the Rise of The Ring”
Thursday, Feb. 18 7 p.m. Campus Center
Alfred Clark, associate vice president for Academic Affairs & professor of Humanities
● “My Precious Illusion: Rings of Power in Wagner and Tolkien”
Monday, March 29 7 p.m. Campus Center
David Werner, associate professor of English
● “Beyond the Mystic Chasm: Wagner Conjures for the Theatre”
Thursday, April 8 4 p.m. Dailey Theatre
Sean Dillon, assistant professor of Theatre Arts
● “Drama in Wagner’s Ring: Music Propels the Action”
Wednesday, April 21 7 p.m. Campus Center
Kathleen Lamkin, professor of Music
Related Posts from the Archives:
- David Werner Examines Talismans, World Rule in “My Precious Illusion: Rings of Power in Wagner and Tolkien”
- Lecture Series to Feature Professor Alfred Clark’s “German Nationalism and the Rise of The Ring” on Feb. 18
- ‘Ring Festival LA’ Celebrates Wagner Art, Philosophy at La Verne
- Dr. Kenneth Marcus prepares CDs on Arnold Schoenberg and on Modernism in L.A.
- Dr. Kenneth Marcus Chairs Panel at American Historical Association Meeting