Gudrun Wagner facts for kids
Gudrun Wagner (born Gudrun Armann; 15 June 1944 – 28 November 2007) was an important person behind the scenes at the Bayreuth Festival. She was the second wife of Wolfgang Wagner, who was the main director of the festival starting in 1967. Many people thought she was almost like a co-director because of her strong influence.
Early Life and Career
Gudrun Armann was born in Allenstein, which was then part of East Prussia. When she was just four weeks old, her family moved to Lower Bavaria near Regensburg because of World War II.
In 1965, she started working as a secretary in the press office of the Bayreuth Festival. This famous festival celebrates the operas of Richard Wagner, Wolfgang Wagner's grandfather. Gudrun later became an assistant to Wolfgang Wagner himself.
Family and Festival Influence
Gudrun and Wolfgang Wagner married in 1976. Their daughter, Katharina, was born in 1978. Katharina later followed in her father's footsteps, becoming a co-director of the festival.
Even though Gudrun Wagner didn't have an official public role, she had a lot of power and influence at the festival. She worked quietly behind the scenes. In 2001, Wolfgang Wagner tried to make his wife his official successor, meaning she would take over the festival after him. However, the festival's board did not approve this plan.
Gudrun Wagner passed away in 2007 at the age of 63 in Bayreuth.
See also
- Wagner family tree
