The Schumann Project
14th - 29th October 2016
The Schumann Project: 14-29 October 2016
The fifteenth Oxford Lieder Festival will be the Schumann Project, a unique survey of Schumann's complete songs. The Schumann Project will explore Schumann's life and times, his friends and contemporaries, his influences and his legacies, and his literary and artistic interests. This two-week feast of song will feature Oxford Lieder's trademark progamming of related chamber and choral works, study events, artistic partnerships and world-class musicians.
Friday 14th October 2016
10:00 AM
A Carnival of Pianos
14 Oct 2016 10:00 | Various
The Schumann Project gets off to a thrilling start, meeting the composer as he takes his first confident steps. Aside from a handful of early songs, Schumann devoted himself exclusively to piano music before the 1840 outpouring of song. Some outstanding pianists explore this output, reflecting his single-minded and sometimes feverish approach, and setting the scene for the Festival in various c...
10:30 AM
A Carnival of Pianos: Schumann's early songs
14 Oct 2016 10:30 | Holywell Music Room
Although Schumann was not to write any further songs until 1840, these early songs (dating from 1827-1828) already show a remarkable depth and concision. Tenor Stuart Jackson joins Oxford Lieder's Artistic Director, Sholto Kynoch, for a rare performance of these works, setting the scene for the Festival. This 30-minute concert is preceded by a talk given by Professor Nicholas Marston of ...
11:30 AM
A Carnival of Pianos: Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 11
14 Oct 2016 11:30 | New College Ante Chapel
Pianist Tim Horton performs Schumann's epic and virtuosic first piano sonata, written between 1832 and 1835 and thus spanning the period from Schumann's ill-fated early engagement to Ernestine von Fricken and his first encounter with the young Clara Wieck. This is part of our A Carnival of Pianos programme. Click here for full details of this event.
12:30 PM
A Carnival of Pianos: Études symphoniques, Op. 13
14 Oct 2016 12:30 | Holywell Music Room
This is part of our A Carnival of Pianos programme. Click here for full details of this event.
2:00 PM
A Carnival of Pianos: Kreisleriana, Op. 16
14 Oct 2016 14:00 | Holywell Music Room
This concert is generously supported by and presented in association with the City Music Foundation This is part of our A Carnival of Pianos programme. Click here for full details of this event.
3:00 PM
A Carnival of Pianos: Carnaval, Op. 9
14 Oct 2016 15:00 | The Sheldonian Theatre
This is part of our A Carnival of Pianos programme. Click here for full details of this event.
4:00 PM
A Carnival of Pianos: Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26
14 Oct 2016 16:00 | Balliol College Hall
This is part of our A Carnival of Pianos programme. Click here for full details of this event.
5:00 PM
Schools Project Concert
14 Oct 2016 17:00 | The Sheldonian Theatre
Over the past weeks and months, local school children have been developing their own song cycle, creating words and music in collaboration with our amazing worshop leaders. Come and support them and be inspired by the wonderful creativity of these young people as they give a performance of their own work, joined by renowned baritone Mark Stone. This event is FREE and all are welcome to atten...
6:00 PM
Festival Chorus Concert
14 Oct 2016 18:00 | University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Members of world-renowned choir The Sixteen with their associate conductor Eamonn Dougan, join our Festival Chorus, who have spent the day in workshops preparing partsongs by Schumann and others which they now present in a short, free concert, to which all are warmly invited.
7:30 PM
Opening Night Recital: Christian Gerhaher & Gerold Huber
14 Oct 2016 19:30 | The Sheldonian Theatre
Tonight's concert is generously supported by Freeths Solicitors, Oxford's leading law firm that specialises in advising clients on their personal and business wealth. Tickets are still available on the door for tonight's concert. Christian Gerhaher and Gerold Huber need little introduction as one of the world's leading song duos. Their concerts and recordings are u...Saturday 15th October 2016
11:00 AM
The Life & Times of Robert Schumann Session I
15 Oct 2016 11:00 | Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
Over the past two years, Graham Johnson's explorations of featured composers have become an essential and unmissable part of the Lieder Festival. These sessions on Schumann are an opportunity for an in-depth look at this most fascinating character, given by one of the world's leading pianists and scholars. Graham Johnson brings a lifetime of practical experience and profound thought, co...
12:00 PM
Bring & Sing
15 Oct 2016 12:00 | Holywell Music Room
This ia a chance for one and all to tread the boards of the historic Holywell Music Room. Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome to sign up to sing a short selection of songs, and are warmly encouraged to bring friends and family to support. The event is open to all, free of charge. For participants, a pianist is provided if needed, for a small fee. To enquire about taking part in the...
5:30 PM
A Spanish Detour: Lorena Paz Nieto & Johan Barnoin
15 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
The Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform attracts an astonishing level of emerging talent; young stars embarking on major careers. Today's duo were clear winners at the auditions, which took place at the Spring Weekend of Song back in March, and they now give recitals around the country under the banner of the Young Artist Platform. This concert is a showcase for these stars of the future, w...
7:30 PM
Robert & Clara, Songs & Duets: Sophie Karthäuser, Sarah Connolly & Eugene Asti
15 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONCERT IS NOW SOLD OUT. YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST TO BE INFORMED OF ANY TICKETS THAT MAY BECOME AVAILABLE, ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. Please also note that this waiting list is only for returns before the day of the concert. An on-the-night list will be started 45 minutes before the concert begins, in person only, for any places that remain empty immediately ...Sunday 16th October 2016
10:45 AM
Schumann's Friends & Followers
16 Oct 2016 10:45 | Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
SCHUMANN, HIS FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS: A LITERARY WORLD AND ITS LEGACIES Schumann was inspired by literature throughout his life, and saw no real divide between the world of letters and the world of music. His writings, both musical and literary, inspired a generation of creative intellectuals in Germany and beyond, and engendered a wealth of literary responses in turn. This study day is an op...
1:45 PM
Lyrisches Intermezzo
16 Oct 2016 13:45 | Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
TICKETS TO THIS CONCERT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE BUT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR A chance to hear Heinrich Heine's complete Lyrisches Intermezzo, his collection of poetry which inspired so many songs. Celebrated Austrian actor Cornelius Obonya - known in particular for his portrayal of Hoffmannsthal's Jedermann ('Everyman') at the Salzburg Festival - read...
5:30 PM
Summer Nights: Suzanne Fischer & Panaretos Kyriatzidis
16 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
TICKETS TO THIS CONCERT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE BUT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR This is the second showcase concert of winners of The Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform. The Platform attracts an astonishing level of emerging talent; young stars embarking on major careers. Today's duo were clear winners at the auditions, which took place at the Spring Weekend of Song...
7:30 PM
Romances & Ballads: Christopher Maltman & Graham Johnson
16 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
Recitals given by this star duo are always occasions to remember. Their programme includes Schumann's dramatic Heine setting Belsatzar and two sets of songs published by Schumann as Romanzen und Balladen. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot main meal and side dish between the afternoon and evening recitals for just...
9:45 PM
Re:Sound's 'Duet'
16 Oct 2016 21:45 | The King's Arms: Wadham Room
DUET A new play with music by Robert Schumann “The most interesting thing about the musical genius that is Schumann is that there are two of them…” In spite of opposition, Robert Schumann marries his beloved Clara. Their wedding party is one to remember and, as the anniversaries go by, the couple are determined to keep the magic and music of that occasion alive. How...Monday 17th October 2016
1:10 PM
Scenes From Childhood: Mhairi Lawson, Stephan Loges & Eugene Asti
17 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
A star-studded concert for the first of our lunchtime series features excerpts from Schumann's 'Album for the Young' as well as his settings of the child poet Elisabeth Kulmann and songs by Mendelssohn and Brahms. Use the tabs above to read more about the full programme and the artists. Why not purchase a Lunchtime Pass? This pass gives access to all ten lunchtime recitals, w...
2:45 PM
Spring Symphony
17 Oct 2016 14:45 | Phoenix Picturehouse
A screening in Oxford's leading independent cinema of the acclaimed 1983 film Frühlingssinfonie, starring Nastassja Kinski as Clara Schumann and Herbert Grönemeyer as Robert.
5:30 PM
Piano Quintet: Gildas String Quartet & Sholto Kynoch
17 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
Schumann's piano quintet in E flat, Op. 44, is one of the most popular pieces of the chamber music repertoire, and was an instant hit when it was first performed in 1843. Fast-rising stars, the Gildas Quartet join Festival director Sholto Kynoch for a performance of this most uplifting work. The Gildas Quartet will also be playing at the Ashmolean Museum on 20th October. Click here for ...
7:30 PM
A Wedding Gift: Joan Rodgers, Dietrich Henschel & Sholto Kynoch
17 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
Eminent German baritone, and renowned interpreter of song, Dietrich Henschel is joined by distinguished soprano Joan Rodgers for a complete performance of Myrthen, Robert Schumann's wedding gift to his bride Clara. Written in the miraculous year of 1840, it contains many of his most enduringly popular songs. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday...
9:45 PM
Re:Sound's 'Duet'
17 Oct 2016 21:45 | The King's Arms: Wadham Room
DUET A new play with music by Robert Schumann “The most interesting thing about the musical genius that is Schumann is that there are two of them…” In spite of opposition, Robert Schumann marries his beloved Clara. Their wedding party is one to remember and, as the anniversaries go by, the couple are determined to keep the magic and music of that occasion alive. How...Tuesday 18th October 2016
11:45 AM
Publishing Schumann
18 Oct 2016 11:45 | Blackwell's Bookshop - The Norrington Room
Peter McMullin, Blackwell's famed music specialist, gives a talk on the publishing history of Schumann's works, a surprising number of which were not published until well into the 20th century. This event is completely free, and there is no need to book; pop in and enjoy an illuminating half hour exploring the emergence and reception of Schumann's music in print.
1:10 PM
Kathleen Ferrier Award Winners
18 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
This concert is generously supported by the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship Fund The three prize winners of the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Awards 2015 perform songs and duets by Schumann, Schubert and Mendelssohn, including Schumann's enchanting Mädchenlieder Op. 103 and Mendelssohn's six duets, Op.63. A great chance to hear these superb emerging stars in one of our incr...
2:45 PM
Schumann and the Critics
18 Oct 2016 14:45 | The Shulman Auditorium, The Queen's College
Renowned music critic and writer Hilary Finch, who wrote for The Times for many years, is joined by Richard Wigmore for an afternoon of three talks looking at Schumann's critical writings in the 'Neue Zeitschrift für Musik', the generations of composer-critics who followed him (including Debussy, Berlioz and Wolf), and lastly a look at trends in contemporary music criticism. Th...
5:30 PM
Piano Quartet: The Marlborough Piano Quartet
18 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
This superb chamber group, comprising four eminent musicians, plays Schumann's ecstatic and uplifting Piano Quartet, as well as the Adagio & allegro and Fantasiestücke for cello and piano. An unmissable chamber music experience for anyone immersing themselves in Robert Schumann. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delici...
7:30 PM
Schubert and Brahms: Birgid Steinberger & Julius Drake
18 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
We are thrilled that soprano Birgid Steinberger will return to the Festival with pianist Julius Drake. Their programme includes settings of Goethe in songs by Schubert, who Schumann revered. In the second half, they explore the songs of Schumann's great friend Johannes Brahms, whose songs are sometime unjustly neglected but are heard here in the hands of one of the great lieder singers and ...
9:45 PM
Pass Holders' Event
18 Oct 2016 21:45 | The Vaults Cafe
A special free event for our Pass holders. Birgid Steinberger accompanies herself on the guitar in stunning German and Austrian folksongs. Those who came to the equivalent evening in 2014 will remember how magical it was. Open to Festival Pass holders only.Wednesday 19th October 2016
11:45 AM
Clara Schumann, International Star
19 Oct 2016 11:45 | Holywell Music Room
Natasha Loges introduces Clara Schumann, who was arguably better known than her husband in the 1840s, as she toured Europe as one of the great virtuoso pianists. Clara Schumann's complete songs are also heard during the Festival. Natasha Loges' talks are always fascinating and engaging events, and this will be a perfect introduction for anyone wanting to find out a bit more about Cla...
1:10 PM
Spring of Love: Katherine Watson, William Dazeley & Sholto Kynoch
19 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
Robert and Clara Schumann together set and published twelve poems from Friedrich Rückert's Liebesfrühling . It was this wonderful collection of songs - not often heard all together - that inspired Rückert's touching letter and poem of thanks; 'to my emotions, you once again give wings'. When the collection was first published, they chose not to reveal which songs ...
2:30 PM
Sarah Walker: Song Cycle
19 Oct 2016 14:30 | Magdalen Grove Auditorium
In a public masterclass, world-renowned mezzo-soprano Sarah Walker leads four talented young duos through Schumann's Eichendorff Liederkreis, Op.39. Those who remember her survey of Winterreise in 2014 will not want to miss this illuminating afternoon, studying not only the songs themselves, but the art of performance and the challenges in performing a song cycle. The Liederkreis itself,...
5:30 PM
Robert & Clara Piano Trios: Phoenix Piano Trio
19 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
Clara Schumann's only piano trio, a fantastic chamber work that deserves to be heard more often, is performed here alongside the second and most exuberant of Robert Schumann's three trios. See the Phoenix Piano Tio for their second concert at the Holywell Music Room on 21st October for their performance of Melndelssohn's piano trio and Niel Gade's Novelleten. Festal ...
7:30 PM
Clara's Piano: Bryony Williams, John Mark Ainsley & David Owen Norris
19 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
Regretfully, John Mark Ainsley has had to withdraw from this concert due to illness. The renowned tenor, Ben Johnson, will take his place and the programme will remain unchanged. Pianist, writer and broadcaster David Owen Norris plays on one of Clara Schumann's own pianos, recently arrived on long-term at the Birmingham Conservatoir. Exploring the sound world of the 1840s, his prog...Thursday 20th October 2016
11:30 AM
Brahms & Schumann: Gildas String Quartet & Raphaela Papadakis
20 Oct 2016 11:30 | Ashmolean Museum
This outstanding string quartet performs magical arrangements of Schumann (Op. 107) and Brahms (Ophelia Lieder) by Aribert Reimann for quartet and soprano. See your name (or that of a dedicatee) alongside the Schumann song of your choice and help ensure the future of Oxford Lieder by sponsoring a song from £25. Thank you.%20JPEG%20Resized_square_md.jpg)
1:10 PM
Poetry Declaimed: Benjamin Appl & Gary Matthewman
20 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
Schumann's handful of settings of Schiller stand alongside two of his 'Declamation Ballads', Schumann's innovative take on setting poetry with music, performed by two stars of the new generation. Why not purchase a Lunchtime Pass? This pass gives access to all ten lunchtime recitals, weekdays at 1:10pm, for £100. The price includes a discount and provides access to pop...
3:00 PM
Artists of Schumann's Era
20 Oct 2016 15:00 | Ashmolean Museum
Please note that the speaker and theme of this talk have changed from the advertised programme Felix Mendelssohn and his relationship with Robert Schumann A talk given by Peter Ward Jones, former head of the Music Section of the Bodleian Library This talk will explore Mendelssohn’s connexion with Robert Schumann, during the twelve years of their acquaintanceship in Leipzig betwe...
3:45 PM
Mendelssohn: The Gildas String Quartet & Raphaela Papadakis
20 Oct 2016 15:45 | Ashmolean Museum
The Gildas String Quartet and soprano Raphaela Papadakis return for Aribert Reimann's captivating scoring of songs by Felix Mendelssohn for string quartet and voice. The Gildas Quartet will also be performing on the 17th October at the Holywell Music Room. Click here for full details of this event. See your name (or that of a dedicatee) alongside the Schumann song of your choice and ...
5:30 PM
Woodland Scenes: Tom Poster
20 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
Tom Poster, well known to Oxford audiences and a leading soloist and chamber musician, plays Schumann's Waldszenen, nine characterful pieces he wrote in 1848/49, as well as Chopin's Ballade no. 4 in F minor.
8:00 PM
Spanisches Liederspiel: Rowan Pierce, Ann Murray, Timothy Langston, Thomas Allen & Malcolm Martineau
20 Oct 2016 20:00 | Saint John the Evangelist
Two of the great singers of our time and one of the world's most renowned pianists are joined by two exciting new stars for a performance of Schumann's Spanisches Liederspiel and a selection of Brahms's folk-song arrangements. See your name (or that of a dedicatee) alongside the Schumann song of your choice and help ensure the future of Oxford Lieder by sponsoring a song from &p...Friday 21st October 2016
11:30 AM
Bach Revived Part I
21 Oct 2016 11:30 | New College Ante Chapel
This is the first event of several today exploring the music of Bach and its influence on Schumann and his circle. Today's focus is the Bach revival led by Mendelssohn, supported by Schumann and influential on so many others. Robert Quinney, Organist and Director of the Choir at New College, starts the day in the magnificent chapel at New College with an illustrated lecture on Schumann a...
1:10 PM
Franz Schubert: Andrè Schuen & Daniel Heide
21 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
One of our concerts this year dedicated to one of Schumann's most revered composers, Franz Schubert. We welcome the sensational young baritone Andrè Schuen and his regular duo partner Daniel Heide for the first time. Why not purchase a Lunchtime Pass? This pass gives access to all ten lunchtime recitals, weekdays at 1:10pm, for £100. The price includes a discount and provid...
2:30 PM
Bach Revived Part II
21 Oct 2016 14:30 | The Weston Library: Lecture Theatre
This afternoon's events are presented in association with the Bodleian Libraries. Following Robert Quinney's lecture this morning, we continue our study day on Bach in the Weston Library. 2.30pm Dr Hannah French explores early performances of the St Matthew Passion and the foundation of the first Bach Societies: Some 90 years after it was last heard in the Thomaskirche in Leipzi...
5:30 PM
Mendelssohn & Gade: Phoenix Piano Trio
21 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
Mendelssohn's turbulent C minor piano trio quotes the choral melody 'Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ', also used by Bach. Also included are the five charming Novelleten by Schumann's Danish friend Niels Gade. See the Phoenix Piano Tio for their concert at the Holywell Music Room on 19th October for their performance of Robert and Clara's piano trios. Festal supper will...
7:30 PM
A Woman's Love & Life: Juliane Banse & Marcelo Amaral
21 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
International star soprano Juliane Banse has performed on the world's great stages and we are delighted to welcome her to Oxford for the first time. Her programme includes two fo Schumann's best-loved cycles: Frauenliebe und- leben and the 'Mary Stuart' songs. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot main meal an...
10:00 PM
Bach Cantatas
21 Oct 2016 22:00 | New College Ante Chapel
We conclude our Bach day with a special evening of Bach Cantatas, performed by the singers and instrumentalists of the Oxford Bach Soloists. This is part of their ongoing survey of Bach's complete choral works. Oxford Bach Soloists Tom Hammond-Davies conductor Cecilia Osmond soprano Alexander Chance alto James Gilchrist tenor Ben Davies bass James Gilchrist will a...Saturday 22nd October 2016
2:30 AM
Masterclasses for Amateur Singers
22 Oct 2016 02:30 | Holywell Music Room
11:00 AM
The Life & Times of Robert Schumann Session II
22 Oct 2016 11:00 | Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
The second day of Graham Johnson's fascinating exploration of Robert Schumann. Over the past two years, Graham Johnson's explorations of featured composers have become an essential and unmissable part of the Lieder Festival. These sessions on Schumann are an opportunity for an in-depth look at this most fascinating character, given by one of the world's leading pianists and schol...
12:00 PM
Bring & Sing
22 Oct 2016 12:00 | Holywell Music Room
A chance for one and all to tread the boards of the historic Holywell Music Room. Observers are very welcome to attend this free and varied concert.
5:00 PM
Schumann & Liszt
22 Oct 2016 17:00 | Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
Alexander Panfilov, an increasingly well-known pianist and recent winner of the prestigious Hastings International Piano Competition, performs the Schumann Fantasie, dedicated to Franz Liszt in 1839, and the mighty B minor Sonata of Liszt, dedicated in mutual admiration to Schumann in 1854. A thrilling exploration of these two legendary pianist-composers, ahead of tonight's performance with...%20resized_square_md.jpg)
7:30 PM
Schumann, Liszt & Bruch: Christoph Prégardien & Christoph Schnackertz
22 Oct 2016 19:30 | Saint John the Evangelist
World-famous tenor Chrisoph Prégardien performs Schumann's first cycle of Heine poetry, the Liederkreis, Op. 24, as well as his settings of Hans Christian Andersen. Alongside this we hear songs by Schumann's friend-cum-nemesis Franz Liszt, and compatriot Max Bruch. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot main mea...
10:00 PM
A New Dichterliebe: Wolfgang Holzmair & Matti Hirvonen
22 Oct 2016 22:00 | Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
Wolfgang Holzmair makes a hugely welcome return to the Festival with a fascinating programme that explores Schumann's friends, contemporaries and followers through the supremely famous texts of Dichterliebe. He and Matti Hirvonen also include Heine settings by Scandinavian composers and Schumann himself. See your name (or that of a dedicatee) alongside the Schumann song of your choice a...Sunday 23rd October 2016
10:15 AM
Coffee Morning
23 Oct 2016 10:15 | Ashmolean Museum
Enjoy coffee and cake with poetry and music, at this informal morning in the delightful Ashmolean Dining Room. Chloë Treharne mezzo-soprano Oliver Wass harp Steve Hay reader
12:00 PM
Schumann at the Opera
23 Oct 2016 12:00 | Okinaga Room
12pm - 12.45pm Okinaga Room A discussion of the operas that inspired Schumann, including Mozart's Die Zauberflöte and Weber's Der Freischutz by Alexandra Wilson. 1.45pm-2.45pm Holywell Music Room Young Artists of the National Opera Studio perform songs and arias by Schumann, Mozart, Weber and others. For further details, please see the event listing for this recital. The ...
1:45 PM
Young Artists of the National Opera Studio
23 Oct 2016 13:45 | Holywell Music Room
Young Artists of the National Opera Studio perform songs and arias by Schumann, Mozart, Weber and others. This event is included in the ticket for the study day 'Schumann at the Opera' (12pm-3.45pm, £15) or it can be purchased separately for £10.
4:15 PM
Schubert's Harper Songs
23 Oct 2016 16:15 | The Weston Library: Blackwell Hall
Two outstanding students from the Royal College of Music, Kieren Rayner (baritone) & Lucy Colquhoun (piano) perform Schubert's powerful settings of Goethe. Also see exceptional students from the prestigious Royal Academy of Music perform Brahms's Liebeslieder Walzer at the Holywell Music Room on 24th October. See your name (or that of a dedicatee) alongside the Schumann song ...
5:30 PM
Heinrich Heine
23 Oct 2016 17:30 | University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Richard Stokes reads and explores the poetry of Heinrich Heine. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot main meal and side dish between the afternoon and evening recitals for just £11. Our food partners this year are the Vaults & Garden Café, The Oxford University Club, and St Stephen’s House. Please book...
7:30 PM
Dichterliebe: Bo Skovhus & Matti Hirvonen
23 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
The great Danish baritone Bo Skovhus appears at the Festival for the first time, joined by eminent Swedish pianist Matti Hirvonen. Their programme includes Dichterliebe, the 'poet's love', as well as Schumann's settings of texts from Goethe's novel Wilhelm Meister. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot mai...Monday 24th October 2016
10:00 AM
Mastercourse Day One
24 Oct 2016 10:00 | Various
Lead tutor: Wolfgang Holzmair Guest tutor: Matti Hirvonen Our residential mastercourses sees exceptional students working with leading musicians, led by Wolfgang Holzmair. Wolfgang Holzmair Britten Room, Headington School 1000 Felicity Turner (mezzo) & Natalie Burch 1040 João Terleira (tenor) & Joana Resende 1140 Eirik Grøtvedt (tenor) & Ei...
1:10 PM
Lunch with Schubert: Roderick Williams & Susie Allan
24 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
Roderick Williams performs Schubert's last collection of songs, his Schwanengesang. Why not purchase a Lunchtime Pass? This pass gives access to all ten lunchtime recitals, weekdays at 1:10pm, for £100. The price includes a discount and provides access to popular recitals which have sold out, such as Roderick Williams on Monday the 24th of October and Dame Felicity Lott on Wednesd...
2:45 PM
To The Distant Beloved
24 Oct 2016 14:45 | Holywell Music Room
Peter Aisher (tenor) and Lucy Colquhoun (piano) perform Beethoven's pioneering song cycle An die ferne Geliebte. See your name (or that of a dedicatee) alongside the Schumann song of your choice and help ensure the future of Oxford Lieder by sponsoring a song from £25. Thank you.
3:30 PM
Schumann's Song Cycle
24 Oct 2016 15:30 | The Weston Library: Lecture Theatre
Laura Tunbridge discusses Schumann and the song cycle, a form Schumann took from Beethoven and Schubert and developed in new directions.
4:15 PM
Schola Cantorum
24 Oct 2016 16:15 | The Weston Library: Lecture Theatre
Schola Cantorum of Oxford, the University's longest-established chamber choir, sings Schumann choral works, including settings of Robert Burns, under their director, James Burton.
5:30 PM
Liebeslieder Walzer
24 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
Exceptional students from the prestigious Royal Academy of Music perform Brahms's Liebeslieder Walzer, his ever-popular collection of 'long-song waltzes'. Also see two outstanding students from the Royal College of Music perform Schubert's Harper Songs at the Weston Library on 23rd October. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). ...
7:30 PM
Shakespeare in Song
24 Oct 2016 19:30 | The Sheldonian Theatre
Anne Sofie von Otter is one of the world's pre-eminent singers and it is a privilege to welcome her to the Lieder Festival for the first time. She is joined by pianist Julius Drake and leading British actor Simon Robson for an evening of Shakespeare settings and readings, as we part ways with Schumann for one day. Their programme includes readings from the sonnets, Twelfth Night, A Midsumme...
9:45 PM
Re:Sound's 'Duet'
24 Oct 2016 21:45 | The King's Arms: Wadham Room
DUET A new play with music by Robert Schumann “The most interesting thing about the musical genius that is Schumann is that there are two of them…” In spite of opposition, Robert Schumann marries his beloved Clara. Their wedding party is one to remember and, as the anniversaries go by, the couple are determined to keep the magic and music of that occasion alive. How...Tuesday 25th October 2016
10:00 AM
Mastercourse Day Two
25 Oct 2016 10:00 | Various
Lead tutor: Wolfgang Holzmair Today starts with a presentation on the poetry of Heinrich Heine, given by Richard Stokes, exploring a small number of poems in great detail before working with the students over the course of the day. A particularly fascinating mastercourse session for members of the public. Richard Stokes Britten Room, Headington School 1000 Talk: Heinrich Hei...
10:30 AM
Masterclass for Music College Applicants
25 Oct 2016 10:30 | Holywell Music Room
Taken by Ian Partridge.
1:10 PM
Schumann & Loewe
25 Oct 2016 13:10 | Headington School: The Hall
Maria Forsström and Matti Hirvonen gave a stunning recital in 2014 and we are delighted that they are able to return this year in a programme including Schumann's Romanzen und Ballanden and Carl Loewe's Frauenliebe und -leben, written four years before Schumann's version. Why not purchase a Lunchtime Pass? This pass gives access to all ten lunchtime recitals, weekdays at 1:...
2:30 PM
Masterclasses for Amateur Singers & Accompanists
25 Oct 2016 14:30 | Various
Taken by Sophie Daneman (soprano) and William Vann (piano) Holywell Music Room & Harris Manchester College Chapel The masterclass with Sophie Daneman is now fully booked but observers are welcome to join the masterclass for free.
5:45 PM
Mendelssohn Octet: Doric String Quartet & Tagus String Quartet
25 Oct 2016 17:45 | Headington School: The Hall
The Doric String Quartet are joined by an exceptional new ensemble, the Tagus Quartet: students at the Royal Academy of Music coached by the Doric Quartet. Together they play Mendelssohn's Octet, largely written when the composer was just 16 and long considered one of the greatest chamber music works. See the Doric String Quartet for their performance of Haydn and Mendelssohn's stri...
8:00 PM
Kerner Lieder, Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven: Mark Padmore & Simon Lepper
25 Oct 2016 20:00 | Saint John the Evangelist
Please note the start time of this concert is 8pm Mark Padmore makes a welcome return to the Festival, firstly exploring the songs of the Classical era that Schumann so loved - Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven - before performing Schumann's extraordinary Kerner Lieder and some rarely-heard later songs. FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME At the start of this concert, outstanding emerging soprano Ni...Wednesday 26th October 2016
10:00 AM
Mastercourse Day Three
26 Oct 2016 10:00 | Headington School: The Music School
Lead tutor: Wolfgang Holzmair Guest tutor: Sarah Walker Today begins with a lecture on the poetry of Goethe by Richard Stokes, before resuming individual coaching sessions with the students. Wolfgang Holzmair Britten Room, Headington School 1130 Felicity Turner (mezzo) & Natalie Burch 1200 Eirik Grøtvedt (tenor) & Eirik Haug Stømner 1230 L...
11:00 AM
Family Concerts: The Curious Laboratory of Song
26 Oct 2016 11:00 | The Story Museum
Welcome to the Curious Laboratory of Song: a place where tunes are brewed and poems fizz, where unlikely concoctions of sounds and words summon giants and ghostly towns (as well as a prize-winning nose-picker). Make a musical rainstorm, race time itself and coax the jolliest of boatmen back to shore in this interactive storytelling concert, including music by Schubert, Poulenc, Wolf (he doesn&#...
1:10 PM
Eichendorff Liederkreis: Felicity Lott & Eugene Asti
26 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
Much-loved soprano 'Flott' returns to the Festival with pianist Eugene Asti, performing one of Schumann's great cycles, the Liederkreis, Op. 39, to poems by Eichendorff. They also include the six entrancing songs of Op. 107 and several Clara Schumann songs. You can also join a public masterclass with world-renowned mezzo-soprano Sarah Walker who leads four talented young duos th...
2:00 PM
Family Concerts: The Curious Laboratory of Song
26 Oct 2016 14:00 | The Story Museum
Welcome to the Curious Laboratory of Song: a place where tunes are brewed and poems fizz, where unlikely concoctions of sounds and words summon giants and ghostly towns (as well as a prize-winning nose-picker). Make a musical rainstorm, race time itself and coax the jolliest of boatmen back to shore in this interactive storytelling concert, including music by Schubert, Poulenc, Wolf (he doesn&#...
4:00 PM
Family Concerts: The Curious Laboratory of Song
26 Oct 2016 16:00 | The Story Museum
Welcome to the Curious Laboratory of Song: a place where tunes are brewed and poems fizz, where unlikely concoctions of sounds and words summon giants and ghostly towns (as well as a prize-winning nose-picker). Make a musical rainstorm, race time itself and coax the jolliest of boatmen back to shore in this interactive storytelling concert, including music by Schubert, Poulenc, Wolf (he doesn&#...
5:30 PM
Haydn & Mendelssohn: The Doric String Quartet
26 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
The Doric String Quartet are especially acclaimed for their performances of Haydn, who was such a strong influence on Schumann's chamber music. They perform Haydn's Quartet in B flat, Op. 64 no. 3 and Mendelssohn's Quartet in E flat, Op. 44 no. 3. See the Doric String Quartet joined with the Tagus String Quartet for their performance of Mendelssohn Octet at Headington School on ...
7:30 PM
The Pilgrimage of the Rose
26 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
Schumann's Der Rose Pilgerfahrt ('The Pilgrimage of the Rose') was an enormously popular work in its time. Schumann encountered Moritz Horn's fairytale in 1851 and quickly set it to music. Often thought of as a cantata with full orchestra, the original version was in fact written with piano accompaniment, heard tonight. An endearing narrative - whose players include a love-struc...Thursday 27th October 2016
10:00 AM
Mastercourse Day Four
27 Oct 2016 10:00 | Headington School: The Music School
Lead tutor: Wolfgang Holzmair Guest tutor: Robert Holl Robert Holl Britten Room, Headington School 1000 Lauren Lodge-Campbell (soprano) & Florent Mourier 1040 Michael Roemer (baritone) & Daniel Overly 1140 Felix Kemp (baritone) & Timothy End 1220 João Terleira (tenor) & Joana Resende 1300 Lunch break 1340 Harriet Burns (soprano) & Ian...
1:10 PM
Songs of the Young: Sophie Daneman, Mark Stone & Sholto Kynoch
27 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
A concert for adults and children alike: a sparkling world premiere by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Schumann’s songs for the young Schumann wrote his Liederalbum für die Jugend (‘Song Album for the Young’) in 1849, the same year he and his family fled Dresden in the midst of revolution. While it may seem surprising that he would write songs for children under such circumsta...
5:30 PM
Andante & Variations
27 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
A rare chance to hear Schumann's stunning Andante and Variations for horn, two cellos and two pianos, as well as the Adagio and Allegro for horn and piano and songs for voice and cello. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot main meal and side dish between the afternoon and evening recitals for just £11. Our food par...
7:30 PM
Songbook of a Painter: James Gilchrist & Anna Tilbrook
27 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
James Gilchrist and Anna Tilbrook, long favourites at the Festival, perform Schuman's 1840 settings of Robert Reinick, Six Poems from the Songbook of a Painter (Reinick was also a gifted painter). They also include songs by Mahler and Brahms. James Gilchrist will also be performing Bach cantatas at New College Ante Chapel on 21st October and at our Festive Finale at Saint John the Evang...Friday 28th October 2016
10:00 AM
Mastercourse Day Five
28 Oct 2016 10:00 | Headington School: The Music School
Lead tutor: Wolfgang Holzmair Guest tutor: Julius Drake Wolfgang Holzmair Britten Room, Headington School 1000 João Terleira (tenor) & Joana Resende 1040 Felix Kemp (baritone) & Timothy End 1140 Michael Roemer (baritone) & Daniel Overly 1220 Lauren Lodge-Campbell (soprano) & Florent Mourier 1300 Lunch break 1340 Eirik Grøtvedt (ten...
10:30 AM
Late Style & Legacy
28 Oct 2016 10:30 | Okinaga Room
As the end of The Schumann Project approaches, Laura Tunbridge leads a fascinating study day on Schumann's later works and on his legacy, including two fantastic concerts featuring singers Aoife Miskelly, Johnny Herford and James Gilchrist. LATE STYLE & LEGACY PART 1 10.30am Welcome and coffee 11am Laura Tunbridge introduces the 'problems' associated with Schumann&...
1:10 PM
Robert, Clara & Johannes: Aoife Miskelly, Johnny Herford & William Vann
28 Oct 2016 13:10 | Holywell Music Room
Johannes Brahms burst into the lives of Robert and Clara Schumann in 1853. Clara noted in her diary that "a wonderful person...as if sent straight from God" had appeared in their lives. As Robert declined into his mental illness, Brahms was a rock to Clara, and the two became very close. How close, we will never know, but an extraordinary series of letters between the two survives, an...
3:15 PM
Late Style and Legacy: Ensemble ISIS
28 Oct 2016 15:15 | Holywell Music Room
Ensemble ISIS, the University of Oxford's contemporary music ensemble, perform Robin Holloway's Fantasy Pieces on the Heine Liederkreis of Schumann, which incorporates a performance of the Op. 24 Liederkeris. Introduced by the composer.
5:30 PM
Late Piano Works: Bengt Forsberg & Christopher Glynn
28 Oct 2016 17:30 | Holywell Music Room
Bengt Forsberg plays the Gesänge der Frühe and the haunting Geistervariationen, the theme of which Schumann claimed was given to him by angels. Forsberg is joined by Christopher Glynn for a perofmrnace of Brahms's variations on the same theme, Op. 23. Festal supper will be available from 6:30pm every evening (except Thursday 20th). Enjoy a delicious hot main meal and side dish...
7:30 PM
Lieder und Gesänge: Kate Royal, Johannes Kammler & Roger Vignoles
28 Oct 2016 19:30 | Holywell Music Room
Regretfully, Kate Royal has had to withdraw from this concert due to personal circumstances, but we are delighted that the renowned Swedish soprano Malin Christensson will step in to the concert, and the announced programme will remain largely unchanged. Schumann published four sets of Lieder und Gesänge between 1849 and 1853, each containing five songs, by various poets, and written b...
10:00 PM
Homage to Schumann
28 Oct 2016 22:00 | New College Ante Chapel
This wonderful programme includes the two Brahms songs for mezzo and viola, as well as Schumann's Märchenerzählungen ('Fairy tales') for clarinet, viola and piano, and György Kurtág's Hommage à R. Schumann.Saturday 29th October 2016
11:00 AM
A Schumann Surprise
29 Oct 2016 11:00 | Magdalen Grove Auditorium
This short concert is kept in reserve in case any Schumann songs are missed due to illness. In the happy instance that this is not the case, outstanding young artists will be invited to perform. The programme will be announced shortly before the concert.
12:00 PM
Mastercourse Concert
29 Oct 2016 12:00 | Holywell Music Room
Introduced by Wolfgang Holzmair This concert represents the culmination of an intensive week of song immersion for eighteen exceptional young musicians. Over the week, they work each day with course leader Wolfgang Holzmair as well as other prestigious guest tutors. This concert is always a Festival highlight, with outstanding emerging stars and a richly varied programme. This conce...
4:30 PM
Requiem: Mozart & Schumann
29 Oct 2016 16:30 | Merton College Chapel
On the eve of All Saints, and following last year's tremendously successful Fauré Requiem , the choir of Merton College is joined by outstanding soloists (all alumni of the oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform) to perform movements from the Mozart and Schumann Requiems, both written at the very end of the composers' lives. The programme aso includes the profoundly moving Requiem f...
7:30 PM
Festival Finale
29 Oct 2016 19:30 | Saint John the Evangelist
After a packed and thrilling fortnight, The Schumann Project draws to a close with a star cast and a wonderful programme. Two of Schumann's cycles for four singers and piano are at the heart of tonight's performance. The Minnespiel, Op. 101, sets poems of Schumann's beloved Friedrich Rückert, in a series of eight solos, duets and quartets. The Spanische Liebeslieder, Op. 138, f...