$10 General Admission, $7 Member

Doors Open for admissions 30 min. prior to screening - buy at center

CLASSIC MUSIC AT THE FILM CENTER

The newest addition to the popular new Martha’s Vineyard Film Society theater in Vineyard Haven, a dazzling white grand piano, will be put to the test on Friday, May 24, when MVCMS Artistic Director, pianist Delores Stevens, and violist Lila Brown will present a 30 minute “salon” program at 6:00 pm.

At 7:30 pm we’ll screen the documentary WAGNER & ME

Stephen Fry’s quest begins in southern Germany where he is granted unique access to Bayreuth’s legendary annual Wagner festival. In Switzerland he discovers the origins of Wagner’s masterpiece The Ring. In Bavaria he marvels at the fairytale castle inspired by Wagner’s music, and in St Petersburg learns why Wagner fascinated Russian audiences.

But Fry also confronts the composer’s dark side. In Nuremberg he investigates how Hitler appropriated Wagner’s music, and in London meets a cellist who played in the prisoners’ orchestra at Auschwitz – where some of Fry’s relatives died. Animated by Fry’s trademark wit and intelligence and featuring a soundtrack of Wagner’s extraordinary music, “Wagner & Me” is a provocative yet enjoyable exploration of the life and legacy of one of history’s great geniuses.

Stephen Fry is one of Britain’s best loved performers – a multi-talented actor, presenter and writer. He played the title role in the Hollywood movie Wilde, presents the cult quiz-show QI, and makes regular appearances in the hit US drama Bones. He is a lifelong fan of the music of Richard Wagner – the world’s most controversial composer.

“The director, Patrick McGrady, gracefully alternates interviews and biographical passages
with stirring lyrical musical sequences.”
-Andy Webster, New York Times

“Even those impervious to Wagner’s music will find it difficult to resist Fry’s charm.”
-Ronnie Scheib, Variety

“An exuberant and deeply personal documentary about the allure and the legacy of
the German composer’s work.”
-Stephanie Zacharek, NPR