Political ceremonies in Bayreuth begin after the passing of stormy weather
The 2021 Bayreuth Festival was a star-studded event, attracting notable politicians and celebrities from across the country. Among the esteemed attendees were Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his predecessor, Angela Merkel, underscoring the festival's cultural significance that year[1].
In addition to the political heavyweights, the festival featured invited artists such as Hermann Nitsch, who provided scenic accompaniment to a concert version of Richard Wagner's Walküre during the summer[4].
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU), Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer, and Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) were also present, adding to the political flavour of the event.
However, punctuality was of utmost importance at the Bayreuth Festival, and celebrities were not exempt from this rule. Bavarian Minister of Economics Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) arrived late, causing a minor stir among the audience, who expressed their displeasure with angry hissing[2]. Hubert Aiwanger was accompanied by the Bavarian Hunting Queen Diana Merkle.
The late arrivals were partly due to the capricious weather, which caused some delays. Despite this, the performances in Bayreuth started on time, and no one could slip in late.
The new "Meistersinger" production at the Bayreuth Festival was directed by Matthias Davids, with Daniele Gatti conducting. The production chose a non-political narrative, providing a refreshing change from the usual political discourse[6].
Director Matthias Davids received applause in the festival house after the first act, a testament to the success of his production.
Notable celebrities in attendance included Gloria von Thurn and Taxis, actress Margarita Broich ("Tatort"), star chef Alexander Herrmann, and moderator and actor Florian Silbereisen ("Das Traumschiff"). Florian Silbereisen had a small mishap before the event, spilling toothpaste on his tuxedo, but he had packed a backup[3].
Angela Merkel attended the Bayreuth Festival, accompanied by her husband Joachim Sauer. Unlike Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) who arrived with his wife Charlotte, Angela Merkel briefly waved to the onlookers before taking her seat[5].
The first intermission of the performance was greeted with sunshine and a mild evening, providing a perfect backdrop for the festivities.
Politicians were not shy about mingling with each other. Green politician Cem Özdemir was greeted with a kiss on the cheek by Dorothee Bär, while Ricarda Lang, the former Green Party chair, was seen engaging in friendly conversations with Union politicians[7]. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) even joked with his Union state leaders Mario Voigt (Thuringia) and Reiner Haseloff (Saxony-Anhalt), calling them "the three tenors"[8].
The Bayreuth Festival of 2021 was indeed a gathering of the country's elite, offering a unique blend of politics, culture, and entertainment.
- Notable celebrities attended the 2021 Bayreuth Festival, including Gloria von Thurn and Taxis, actress Margarita Broich, star chef Alexander Herrmann, and moderator and actor Florian Silbereisen.
- Politicians at the Bayreuth Festival were not shy about mingling with each other, with Green politician Cem Özdemir being greeted with a kiss on the cheek by Dorothee Bär, while Ricarda Lang, the former Green Party chair, was seen engaging in friendly conversations with Union politicians.
- Despite some late arrivals due to the capricious weather, punctuality was of utmost importance at the Bayreuth Festival, and celebrities were not exempt from this rule.
- The new "Meistersinger" production at the Bayreuth Festival chose a non-political narrative, providing a refreshing change from the usual political discourse that often accompanied the event.
