Nancy writes: Just wanted to let you (and TORN) know that there will be several talks about Richard Wagner and JRR Tolkien in connection with Los Angeles’ Ring Festival.

The Los Angeles Opera will produce 3 complete cycles of Wagner’s Ring operas in May and June. In connection with this will be Ring Festival LA, consisting of numerous events, lectures, exhibits, and performances running from January through August. (Information: www.RingFestivalLA.com)

Three of interest to the Tolkien lover are:

Seminar: “Two Rings: Wagner and Tolkien”, June 11-12, Mt St Mary’s College Doheny Campus, 10 Chester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007. Speakers: Profs. Michael Heim, Kristen Grimstad, Brenda Lynch, more. Cost: Jan-Feb, $75; Mar-Apr $100, May-June $125. Information: http://www.msmc.la.edu/ringseminars

Lecture: “Wagner vs. Tolkien: Who’s the Real Lord of the Rings?” by John Spear, Speakers Bureau Library Talks. Free. Three locations:
Apr 20, 6:30-7:30, La Verne Library, 3640 D St, La Verne, CA 91750.
May 10, 7:00-8:00, Burbank Public Library, 110 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502.
May 11, 7:00-8:00, Redondo Beach Library, 303 N Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Lecture: “My Precious Illusion – Rings of Power in Wagner and Tolkien”, by Dr David Werner. Free. March 29, 7:00, Campus Center, University of La Verne, 1950 3rd St, La Verne, CA 91750.

For more information, go to www.RingFestivalLA.com; click on Partners, click on Conversations & Symposia, search “Tolkien”.