News
19.05.2025
Assembly of delegates 2025
The RWWI Assembly Weekend kicked off with a Fränkische Abend at Hotel Lohmühle — an evening of enjoying regional dishes, wines, and beers together to celebrate the joy of gathering.
President Harry Leutscher warmly welcomed everyone to the weekend, while Oberbürgermeister Thomas Ebersberger extended a heartfelt welcome to the international guests on behalf of his city!
On Saturday, the Assembly of Delegates took place in the impressive Chorsaal of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. A remarkable venue, made possible thanks to Ulrich Jagels, Chief Financial Officer of the Bayreuth Festival, who kindly provided the meeting space – our sincere thanks!
The gathering began on a musical note, with a beautiful piano transcription of "Meistersinger" played by Cyril Plante, presidium member and chair of the Wagner Society in Paris. His contribution set a reflective and inspiring tone for the day.
Ulrich Jagels delivered the opening speech. In addition to presenting the financial statements, the main focus was on making RWVI future-proof. Two perspectives were explored: RWVI as an umbrella organization and RWVI as a community. These ideas were further developed in the afternoon through interactive workshops, where members exchanged thoughts, concerns and aspirations.
One thing became very clear: with around 20,000 members and a global network, we truly hold something valuable in our hands – a kind of (Rhein)gold. The key? Not focusing solely on what RWVI means for your local society, but on identifying and realising its value together. This calls for a shared mindset: We RWVI.
Finally, three local chairs – Arabella Hellmann (Ammersee), Klaus Weinhold (Dresden) and Cyril Plante (Paris) – were honoured with the Golden W for their more than ten years of dedicated service. Bravo!
The day ended on a celebratory note with the festive Assembly Dinner at restaurant Bürgerreuth, where guests reflected on an inspiring day in a warm and relaxed setting.
The RWVI Assembly concluded with a farewell concert by 20-year-old pianist (and scholarship recipient) Simon Haje. With virtuosity, he performed fitting works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Chopin, leaving the audience utterly spellbound. He ended with Liszt’s Liebestod, which touched everyone to the core. After the final note: absolute silence — and tears.
In the afternoon, those who were interested had the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Steingraeber factory, led by Fanny Steingraeber. Everyone found it exceptionally interesting and informative, with Fanny sharing her deep expertise and evident love for the craft.
Finally, RWVI extends its heartfelt thanks to the Steingraeber company for their warm hospitality and financial support of the concert!
President Harry Leutscher warmly welcomed everyone to the weekend, while Oberbürgermeister Thomas Ebersberger extended a heartfelt welcome to the international guests on behalf of his city!
On Saturday, the Assembly of Delegates took place in the impressive Chorsaal of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. A remarkable venue, made possible thanks to Ulrich Jagels, Chief Financial Officer of the Bayreuth Festival, who kindly provided the meeting space – our sincere thanks!
The gathering began on a musical note, with a beautiful piano transcription of "Meistersinger" played by Cyril Plante, presidium member and chair of the Wagner Society in Paris. His contribution set a reflective and inspiring tone for the day.
Ulrich Jagels delivered the opening speech. In addition to presenting the financial statements, the main focus was on making RWVI future-proof. Two perspectives were explored: RWVI as an umbrella organization and RWVI as a community. These ideas were further developed in the afternoon through interactive workshops, where members exchanged thoughts, concerns and aspirations.
One thing became very clear: with around 20,000 members and a global network, we truly hold something valuable in our hands – a kind of (Rhein)gold. The key? Not focusing solely on what RWVI means for your local society, but on identifying and realising its value together. This calls for a shared mindset: We RWVI.
Finally, three local chairs – Arabella Hellmann (Ammersee), Klaus Weinhold (Dresden) and Cyril Plante (Paris) – were honoured with the Golden W for their more than ten years of dedicated service. Bravo!
The day ended on a celebratory note with the festive Assembly Dinner at restaurant Bürgerreuth, where guests reflected on an inspiring day in a warm and relaxed setting.
The RWVI Assembly concluded with a farewell concert by 20-year-old pianist (and scholarship recipient) Simon Haje. With virtuosity, he performed fitting works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Chopin, leaving the audience utterly spellbound. He ended with Liszt’s Liebestod, which touched everyone to the core. After the final note: absolute silence — and tears.
In the afternoon, those who were interested had the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Steingraeber factory, led by Fanny Steingraeber. Everyone found it exceptionally interesting and informative, with Fanny sharing her deep expertise and evident love for the craft.
Finally, RWVI extends its heartfelt thanks to the Steingraeber company for their warm hospitality and financial support of the concert!