Bayreuth - Richard Wagner's great-granddaughters Katharina Wagner and Eva Wagner-Pasquier stepped in front of the press on Saturday to herald the start of this year's Bayreuth opera festival in honour of the composer.

The half-sisters, who have taken over joint management of the festival for the first time, spoke brief words of welcome. Katharina Wagner, 31, wished spectators a "nice premiere," before handing the microphone to media-shy Wagner-Pasquier, aged 64.

"I'm always considered a phantom and wanted to briefly introduce myself," Wagner-Pasquier said. "Until now, we have rarely appeared together, that will change from today," she added.

This year's Richard Wagner festival is being opened with a production of Tristan and Isolde, attended by a select audience including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The festival, which is moving into the 21st century with video podcasts and a performance being screened for online viewers, is also staging a child-friendly performance of The Flying Dutchman.

Katharina Wagner said they intended to show a different piece for children each year.

"Of course it's a challenge to make every Wagner opera child- friendly," she said.

The smooth running of this year's festival had been threatened by a pay dispute between managers and the 140-odd stage hands working at the event. But a settlement was reached on Thursday. (dpa)