LA County leaders vote in support of Wagner opera

[July 22, 2009]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- County supervisors have voted to support the Los Angeles Opera's planned festival next year celebrating Wagner's epic "Ring" cycle despite one supervisor's protest over the composer's anti-Semitic views.

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 Tuesday in support of a motion by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky replacing a motion by Supervisor Mike Antonovich.

Antonovich wanted to add pieces by other composers to lessen the focus on Wagner because of his anti-Semitic writings.

Antonovich spokesman Tony Bell says the supervisor is disappointed at Tuesday's outcome, but intends to work with the opera company to make improvements in the next year.

The opera says the festival, which will spotlight Wagner's four-part cycle, will include seminars and discussions to address Wagner's anti-Semitism.

[Associated Press]

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