In honor of Richard Wagner's birthday on May 22nd, Afternoon Classical on Thursday May 21st (3:00-6:00 PM) and Friday May 22nd (3:00-4:30 PM) will be dedicated exclusively to Richard Wagner.

Thursday's Afternoon Classical will feature an unforgettable live 1956 performance of Der Fliegende Holländer from Bayreuth with the legendary George London in the title role, Astrid Varnay as Senta, and Joseph Keilberth conducting. Elisabeth Stam hosts.

Friday's Afternoon Classical will showcase Wagner's rarely heard cantata, Das Liebesmahl der Apostel. Pierre Boulez conducts the New York Philharmonic and Westminster Choir. The NY Phil will also be heard under the baton of Leonard Bernstein in the famous Wesendonck Lieder, with soprano soloist Eileen Farrell. To round off the afternoon, Christa Ludwig sings the Immolation Scene from Gotterdammerung, with Heinrich Hollreiser conducting the Deutsche Oper Orchestra. Stepan Atamian hosts.