Nouvelles

Ms. Märtson-Wilson learned about the idea of Wagner societies at an early stage in her career when she was given the opportunity to visit the Bayreuth Festival in 1967 as a recipient of a scholarship awarded by the Richard Wagner Society of Hanover. In 1990, she played a substantial role in the organisation of the Richard Wagner Congress in Hanover and was nominated by her predecessor, Ilse Michaelis, as the new President of the local society, which had Professor Märtson-Wilson at the helm for 18 years. In 2008, in succession to Josef Lienhart, she was elected to the post of President of the German ”Richard Wagner Verband” and President of the ”Richard-Wagner-Verband International”. It is a testament to her achievement that the merger of both associations was organised, prepared and successfully completed in Bayreuth in February 2008. Professor Märtson-Wilson served as President of the International Association of the Wagner Societies, ”Richard-Wagner-Verband International” until 2014.

Up to her retirement, Professor Märtson-Wilson taught singing and vocal training at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media. Master classes took her regularly to Moscow, Tartu and - not least - Tallinn where she has held a lectureship since 2013.

The members of the Executive Committee of the International Association of the Wagner Societies send their warmest birthday greetings.

Thomas Krakow
President