Aspiring opera singers participate in a Wagner training session in Boston.
The Boston Wagner Society announces a new biennial Wagnerian vocal training program debuting in 2026 at the Boston Wagner Institute. This initiative aims to make New England a premier hub for Wagnerian arts, providing aspiring opera singers with the opportunity to study and perform alongside a full orchestra under the guidance of renowned figures such as Jane Eaglen and Jonathan McPhee. With the traditional summer program paused in 2025, this innovative training promises to transform operatic education in the region.
Exciting news is on the horizon for the music lovers and aspiring opera stars of New England! The Boston Wagner Society is gearing up to launch a bold new program that promises to transform the landscape of Wagnerian vocal training. This innovative initiative will enhance the Boston Wagner Institute (BWI), turning it into a remarkable biennial program set to debut in 2026.
With the goal of establishing New England as a premier hub for Wagnerian arts, this program will offer outstanding opportunities for emerging dramatic voices. Participants will have the chance to study, grow, and perform alongside a full orchestra, making this a truly unique experience. It’s a huge leap forward in nurturing talented individuals who aspire to excel in the world of opera.
The program will be spearheaded by none other than Jane Eaglen, the Society’s President and a celebrated Grammy Award winner known for her extraordinary interpretations of Wagner’s iconic roles. Eaglen has an impressive track record, having graced the stages of top opera houses for over two decades, and her powerful performances include unforgettable roles such as Brünnhilde in “Der Ring des Nibelungen” and the lead in “Tristan und Isolde”.
Not just a familiar face in opera, Eaglen has captivated audiences with her Grammy-winning recording of Wagner’s “Tannhäuser”, created under the baton of conductor Daniel Barenboim. Her experience with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, adds immense value to this ambitious initiative.
In a further boost for the program’s success, Jonathan McPhee, a distinguished conductor recognized for his considerable achievements, will lend his expertise to help shape the curriculum. With a long-standing relationship with the Boston Ballet Orchestra spanning 28 years, McPhee has solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the operatic world. He is also recognized for his ingenious arrangement of “The Essential Ring”, which has garnered widespread praise.
Eaglen’s vision for the new program revolves around creating a nurturing and educational environment for budding artists. They will benefit from the rare opportunity to collaborate with orchestral forces, which is usually reserved for seasoned professionals. The aim here is simple yet powerful: to equip emerging talents with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive operatic landscape.
In a strategic move to make way for this dynamic biennial intensive, the Institute’s traditional summer program will take a pause in 2025. While this shift might stir some discussions among enthusiasts, the Boston Wagner Society remains firmly committed to preserving Wagner’s musical legacy and advancing the craft of operatic artistry.
With plans to attract aspiring Wagnerian singers from far and wide, this program is set to pave the way for a new model of operatic education across North America. Eaglen, along with McPhee, is dedicated to ensuring that New England becomes a beacon for those passionate about the rich and dramatic world of Wagnerian performance.
As preparations unfold, the Boston Wagner Society promises to keep everyone updated on program details and developments. Music lovers, aspiring artists, and everyone in between can look forward to a transformative experience that may very well shape the future of opera in the region.
Stay sharp, Boston! The world of Wagner is about to become more vibrant than ever.
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