Wigmore Hall

In a major series to mark the bicentenary of Robert Schumann’s birth in 1810, we draw together a diverse range of artists to celebrate one of the most absorbing figures of German Romanticism.

Schumann’s creative spirit was uniquely influenced by his strong literary instincts, his love for his wife Clara and his precarious mental state – the sudden decline of which cut his career tragically short.

Taking in the six major song-cycles (as well as a broad selection of his 250 or so other songs), the series includes a special focus on Schumann’s song output during the year 1840.

Presenting the three string quartets (performed across the Coffee Concert series by the Elias, Vogler and Doric Quartets) and three piano trios, plus other chamber music and major piano works, the series is brought to life by major interpreters, including Julius Drake (who oversees Schumann’s Songs of 1840 for us), Imogen Cooper, Gerald Finley, Christopher Maltman, Kate Royal, Ian Bostridge and the Florestan Trio.