Opera director appears at festival

Veteran opera director Wolfgang Wagner on Friday welcomed guests to his festival in Bayreuth, Germany, walking on the arm of his youngest daughter -- a leading contender to replace him after a 57-year reign and a prolonged struggle over his successor.

Wagner, the 88-year-old grandson of composer Richard Wagner, briefly greeted bystanders along with his 30-year-old daughter Katharina outside the Festspielhaus before the opening of the annual celebration.

An official decision on who will take over the festival is not expected until after this year’s event ends on Aug. 28.