Dresden – 200th Anniversary of Wagner’s Birth

Composer Richard Wagner

The city of Dresden is one of several cities across Germany that will honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of the famous classical composer Richard Wagner (the W is pronounced as a V) in 2013.

The city was an inspiration to Wagner, who lived here as a child and returned in 1842 for several years. He created some of his greatest works here.  Many of the sites in the city are associated with him.

He was born on May 22, 1813 in Leipzig, but at a year old, he moved with his mother and stepfather to Dresden. Here he joined the choir school at the Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross) and was eventually drawn to the opera.

Wagner and his wife Minna moved into an apartment across from the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), with its magnificent dome, the centerpiece of Dresden. Wagner premiered his oratorio Feast of Pentecost 170 years ago at this magnificent church. On May 18, the piece will be performed there once again.

Wagner concerts will be performed in the Semper Opera House. His opera Rienzi, inspired by his reading of the novel by the same name, was first performed in Dresden at the Semper Opera House, where he also staged the premiere of The Flying Dutchman.

 The Semper Opera House and Church of Our Lady are among the most important sites in Dresden associated with Wagner.

An exhibition at the Dresden City Museum, which runs from 27 April to 25 August 2013, focuses on Wagner's time in Dresden, when he conceived nearly all of his later works.

 Saxon State and University Library of Dresden is presenting historical documents of Richard Wagner in a special Jubilee 2013 exhibit.

The Royal Palace will reopen its Great Hall (Riesensaal) in February, and Zwinger’s Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments, showcasing the world’s finest collection of historic globes, will reopen in April after lengthy construction.  The city is truly gearing for a great celebration.

Wagner completed many operas in his lifetime.  This site lists them with links to casts, summaries, audio, and/or video.  For a sampling of his music, this audio file is The Ride of Valkyries. This site has postcard photos from many of his operas.  Just click on the opera title (written in his own handwriting!).

Just a note…

While strolling the cobblestoned streets of historic Dresden investigating Wagner’s life, you might want to look for any of the 60 time capsules embedded in the ground that keep documents to maintain the memory of the Holocaust.

Getting Your Passport

Getting Your Passport

You could travel to Europe without new clothes, guidebooks, or even a toothbrush, but there is no way you can even get on the plane without a passport! It is THE one essential that everyone must have.

If you already have a passport, then check the expiration date. It must be good for at least 6 months after our return. Some countries will not allow you to enter if you do not have six months left on your passport.

In other words, your expiration date must be AFTER December 2013.  If not you will need to renew before departure. Adult passports are good for 10 years.

If you do not have a passport at all, then you need to start the process now to obtain one. Whether you are getting a new one or renewing an old one…do not procrastinate, start now. Currently it takes at least 6 weeks to process a passport application.

NEW PASSPORT
Passports are obtained from the U.S. Department of State, but must be applied for locally in person at the district clerk’s office or post office. You will need a certified (stamped with a seal) copy of your birth certificate from the county where you were born. This can be obtained from the county clerk's office where you were born or the Vital Statistics Office in the state where you were born.

As of 1 April 2011, the U.S. Department of State requires the full names of the applicant’s parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information will not be acceptable as evidence of citizenship.

In addition to this requirement, certified copies of birth certificates must also include the following information to be considered acceptable primary evidence of U.S. citizenship:

·         Full name of the applicant

·         Date of birth

·         Place of birth

·         Raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal of issuing authority

·         Registrar’s signature

·         The date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office (must be within one year)

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate that meets these requirements, please see Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship.

You will need to do the following:

1.  Fill Out Form DS-11: Application For a U.S. Passport
2.  Submit Completed Form DS-11 In Person
3.  Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
4.  Present Identification
5.  Submit a Photocopy of the Identification Document(s) Presented (Step 4)
6.  Pay the Applicable Fee
7.  Provide One Passport Photo

If you are a first time applicant then you must apply for your passport in person at the district clerk's office or post office. Go here to find the closest office. Check with your local offices for complete instructions. Here is a link to the district clerk’s office here in Ellis County, Texas to give you an idea.

Here we must provide a completed passport application which is available online, 2 passport quality photos (from CVS, Walgreens, etc.), certified copy of your birth certificate, your social security card or number, your driver's license or another state issued photo ID, and the fees ($110 for the application and $25 for local processing fees). You can pay an extra fee to expedite the process, but save the money by starting early.

RENEW PASSPORT
If your passport is already out of date or if it will not be valid through December 2013 then you must renew your passport.  Passports may be renewed by mail by sending your old passport, application, and fees following the directions provided by the State Dept. 

You must complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.  Send the completed and signed form, your most recent passport, one passport photo stapled in the space provided on the application, and current fees ($110 for adult passport book).  You will also need to send a marriage certificate or court order if your current name does not match your passport name.

Again, don’t procrastinate!  Make getting your passport in proper order your trip priority now.