Christmas Concert 2026

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer from Bonn who settled in Vienna. Completely deaf by 1818, he composed many masterpieces in his final decade. He wrote 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, and the opera Fidelio. The crucial bridge between Classical and Romantic eras, he elevated instrumental music to high art. Widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in history, he profoundly influenced Schumann, Brahms, and generations of composers.

Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was a German pianist and composer. She married Robert Schumann in 1840 and had eight children, and a close friend of Johannes Brahms. A child prodigy who debuted at nine, she became one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era with a 61-year career. She was first to perform from memory, and composed a piano concerto, chamber music, and songs. She preserved Robert's legacy and is now recognized as a major composer in her own right.