Bayreuth Festival Cancels Michel Friedman Lecture on Wagner's Antisemitism Due to Security Concerns (faz.net)

• Michel Friedman's lecture on Wagner's antisemitism at Bayreuth Festival cancelled for July 26, 2026.
• Reason: Police cannot provide highest security level for both the lecture and the premiere on same day.
• Friedman criticizes cancellation; festival plans to reschedule in August.

"The Bayreuth Festival has cancelled a planned lecture by publicist Michel Friedman on Richard Wagner's antisemitism, scheduled for July 26, 2026. The decision was made due to security concerns: police could not provide the highest security level for both Friedman's appearance and the premiere of Wagner's 'Rienzi' on the same day. Friedman, who was not consulted, sharply criticized the cancellation as 'death by suicide' of democracy. Festival director Katharina Wagner stated the event would be rescheduled for August."