Clara Schumann was one of 19th-century Europe’s foremost pianists. In addition to raising many children and being the wife of renowned composer Robert Schumann, who demanded silence at home while he was at work, Clara maintained a grueling touring schedule—yet still found time to compose. Salons were an essential part of Leipzig’s cultural life, fostering exchanges of ideas and friendships. Two women composers featured on this program were part of Clara’s circle: Josephine Lang, for whom Clara organized a benefit concert, and Swedish composer and violinist Amanda Maier, whom Clara befriended in her later years. According to Amanda Maier’s great-granddaughter, Saskia Thiadens (who lives in Napa!), a treasure trove of Amanda’s forgotten scores were discovered in a family member’s attic. Although Maier’s music is rarely heard today, we are thrilled to share her brilliance alongside works by the Schumanns, Josephine Lang, and Johannes Brahms.

PROGRAM

CLARA SCHUMANN Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann for Piano, Op. 20 (1853)

BRAHMS Sonatensatz: Scherzo in C minor for Violin and Piano (1853)

LANG/CLARA/ROBERT/JOHANNES/MAIER Songs 

AMANDA MAIER Quartet in E minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello (1891)

CLARA SCHUMANN Romance from Piano Concerto in A minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 7 (1835)

ROBERT SCHUMANN Quartet in F major for Strings, Op. 41, No. 2 (1842)

ARTISTS
Clara Osowsk, SOPRANO| Juliette Greer, Soyoung Choi, VIOLIN | Phyllis Kamrin, Rosemary Nelis, VIOLA | Clara Abel, Tanya Tomkins, CELLO | Audrey Vardanega, Eric Zivian, PIANO 

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

SINGLE TICKETS

SUBSCRIPTIONS