Pablo Heras-Casado establishes himself as a key figure in Wagner's music.

Pablo Heras-Casado, the Granada-born conductor, is becoming one of the most prominent figures in the interpretation of Richard Wagner's works, a composer whose pieces are both revered and controversial. Following his acclaimed success at the Teatro Real in Madrid, where he conducted "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg," Heras-Casado is set to return to the Bayreuth Festival, the epicenter of Wagnerian music, where he will conduct "Parsifal." This event not only marks his participation in one of the world's most prestigious festivals but also highlights his growth as one of the leading conductors of Wagner internationally. Maestro Heras-Casado asserts that, despite the prejudices that may exist regarding the elitism of Wagner's music, many people have found a deeply impactful experience in his works. In fact, Heras-Casado recommends that newcomers to opera consider starting their musical journey with Wagner instead of more popular titles like "Carmen" or "La Traviata." This may seem surprising, but the conductor believes that the emotional depth and musical richness of Wagner can resonate even with those encountering opera for the first time. Recently, Heras-Casado shared that he considers "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" one of the greatest operas of all time, partly because in this work, Wagner presents himself in a more human way. The maestro sees in the figure of Hans Sachs a portrait of himself and his constant struggle for art and creative freedom. His direction of this work at the Teatro Real was not only a success but also a reflection of Heras-Casado's personal and artistic evolution within the Wagnerian repertoire. This year, Heras-Casado will make his second appearance at the Bayreuth Festival, following a successful debut in 2023, where he also conducted "Parsifal." The performances scheduled for this summer at the legendary Festspielhaus are a testament to his growing prominence in the opera world. "Inaugurating the festival was a personal peak," admits the conductor, who also emphasized the importance of being part of the tradition and history of Bayreuth. Heras-Casado's career has been marked by significant milestones, from conducting the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics to his anticipated return to the Paris Opera, where he will conduct the monumental tetralogy "Der Ring des Nibelungen." This production, which will take place over two consecutive seasons, will be a new chapter in his career and solidify his reputation as one of the leading figures in conducting Wagner. However, despite the brilliance of his career, Heras-Casado does not escape the shadows that some aspects of Wagner's life cast. The controversy surrounding the composer, who held anti-Semitic views that were distorted by the Nazi regime, presents an ethical challenge for those who choose to interpret his music. Heras-Casado firmly believes that a composer should not be judged by their personality or by how others use their work. "The artist and their music should be considered independently," he argues. For him, music is a refuge, a form of reconciliation in times of conflict. Although he does not expect music to solve complex problems like war conflicts, he acknowledges that it can offer a space of peace and human connection, a theme that is especially relevant in a divided world. In his view, music has the power to unite people, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. It is evident that Heras-Casado is also concerned about the role of music in his social responsibility. Through his efforts in "Acordes con Solidaridad," he has used his platform to help children in disadvantaged situations, demonstrating that music can be a vehicle for empathy and social action. This initiative reflects his desire to make music a means of positive change in society. At its core, the maestro from Granada not only conducts orchestras; he also seeks to convey a message beyond the notes. His ambition is for the audience not just to listen but to feel and experience the music in a way that allows them to open new perspectives and experiences. In the end, as he himself says, "You don't need a passport to access Wagner," because music is a universal experience that everyone can enjoy. Thus, Pablo Heras-Casado continues his journey, challenging expectations and expanding the horizons of classical music in the 21st century.