Courtesy Photo

HOUGHTON – at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will present “Gods, Ghosts and Legends.” This exciting program is an entire evening dedicated to the works of Richard Wagner, a 19th Century composer and theorist whose operas and music have had a revolutionary influence on the course of western music.

“Gods, Ghosts and Legends” takes inspiration from both German and Norse myths which were heavily influential in Wagner’s series of operas which invoke grandiose and supernatural imagery. One of Wagner’s compositions has turned out to be one of those classical music pieces that you have likely heard even if you’ve never attended an opera or concert. It appears in countless commercials, video games, and other non-operatic contexts.

“The most famous piece in this concert is Ride of the Valkyries from Wagner’s 15-hour Ring opera cycle. Think ‘Kill the wabbit and the movie ‘Apocalypse Now'”, said Joel Neves, assistant professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities at Michigan Tech. “This concert features stunning music from the fantasy operas of Richard Wagner, which are based on Norse legends about Valhalla and the gods, a mythological ring of power, and a cursed ghost ship steered by the undead.”

Originally Ride of the Valkyries or Die Walküre describes the story of Brunnhilde and her eight sisters, the Valkyries, in full armor on their winged steeds transporting fallen heroes back to Valhalla.

A healthy imagination is sure to complement this evening of powerful musical compositions. Tickets are on sale now.