Before Tolkien, there was Wagner and his tale of an epic hero seeking a mystical ring and trying to save the world. Tolkien’s Ring Trilogy inspired great filmmaking; Wagner’s inspired him to compose great music — some of the greatest ever written.

His Ring Cycle is the grandest scale of opera, and you can enjoy it this weekend when the Boise Philharmonic performs “The Ring Without Words.” Lorin Maazel’s arrangement weaves together the most beautiful and transcendental leitmotifs from his four operas for an immersive musical experience.

Dana Oland