As the Bayreuth festival turns 150, we look at the composer’s huge and enduring influence, and wonder what might have happened to classical music in his absence?

Beim Jubiläum der Wagner-Festspiele bleibt die Bahnstrecke Nürnberg–Bayreuth gesperrt. Besucher aus aller Welt? Dürfen auf den Ersatzverkehr umsteigen.

As the Bayreuth festival turns 150, we look at the composer’s huge and enduring influence, and wonder what might have happened to classical music in his absence?