

Schubert on the Road
A Travelogue Epic, hosted and curated by Graham Johnson, with Fellows of the Singers Program
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DateAug 16, 2025
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VenueBennett Gordon Hall
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Event Starts1:30 PM
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Public Gates12:30 PM
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Ticket Prices$15
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About the Performance
Hosted and curated by renowned pianist and art song scholar Graham Johnson, this program brings to life one of the most transformative moments in Franz Schubert’s career. After years of illness and misfortune, 1825 marked a turning point for the composer, as he embarked on a four-month journey through Upper Austria with baritone Johann Michael Vogl. This tour—the first-ever Lieder recital series—not only cemented Schubert’s reputation but also immersed him in the breathtaking landscapes that would inspire some of his most luminous works.
At the heart of the program is a complete performance of Schubert’s seven songs based on Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake, which weave a rich tapestry of storytelling and lyricism. The program also includes two striking ensemble works—the haunting lament “Coronach” and “Bootgesang,” a lively setting of “Hail to the Chief,” a poem later embraced by the US presidency.
These works are brought to life by the Steans Singers Program Fellows on a program that re-creates the magic of Schubert’s 1825 tour—offering a rare glimpse into the composer’s world at a critical juncture in his creative and personal journey.
Performers
Graham Johnson, curator, host, and pianist
Abigail Arnold, soprano
Laura Santamaria, soprano
Sophia Baete, mezzo-soprano
Sophia Maekawa, mezzo-soprano
Daniel Luis Espinal, tenor
Robert Wente, baritone
Yulin Yan, bass-baritone
Collaborative Pianists:
Matthew Gemmill
Ye In Kwak
Lucas Nogara
Michael Sikich
Ting Ting Wong
Guest Artist:
Evan Katsefes, tenor
Program
All works on this program are composed by Franz Schubert.
I. On Foot
Das Wandern, D. 795, no. 1 Daniel Luis Espinal, tenor; Michael Sikich, piano
Der Wanderer and den Mond, D. 870 Sophia Maekawa, mezzo-soprano; Lucas Nogara, piano
Rückweg, D. 476
Liebe schwärmt auf allen Wegen, D. 239, no. 6 Abigail Arnold, soprano; Matthew Gemmill, piano
Nähe des Geliebten, D. 162
Pilgerweise, D. 789 Sophia Baete, mezzo-soprano; Lucas Nogara, piano
Pflügerlied, D. 392 Yulin Yan, bass baritone; Ting Ting Wong, piano
Sonnett II, D. 629 Laura Santamaria, soprano; Michael Sikich, piano
An die Türen will ich schleichen, D. 478 Robert Wente, baritone; Ye In Kwak, piano
Gute Nacht, D. 911, no. 1 Robert Wente, baritone; Graham Johnson, piano
Rast, D. 911, no. 10 Graham Johnson, piano
Der Wegweiser, D. 911, no. 20 Robert Wente, baritone; Graham Johnson, piano
Nachtstück, D. 972 Sophia Baete, mezzo-soprano; Graham Johnson, piano
II. On Horseback
Willkommen und Abschied, D. 767 Sophia Baete, mezzo-soprano; Graham Johnson, piano
Erlkönig, D. 328 Michael Sikich, piano
Abschied, D. 957, no. 7
Auf der Brück, D. 853 Daniel Luis Espinal, tenor; Michael Sikich, piano
III. Imaginary Travel
Der Musensohn, D. 764 Abigail Arnold, soprano; Matthew Gemmill, piano
Der Strom, D. 565 Laura Santamaria, soprano; Michael Sikich, piano
Der Wanderer, D. 489 Yulin Yan, bass baritone; Ting Ting Wong, piano
An Schwager Kronos, D. 369 Robert Wente, baritone; Ye In Kwak, piano
–Intermission–
IV. The Lady of the Lake
A complete performance of Sieben Gesänge aus Walter Scott’s ‘Fräulein vom See’
Die Allmacht, D. 852 Laura Santamaria, soprano; Graham Johnson, piano
Ellens Gesang I, D. 837 Sophia Maekawa, mezzo-soprano; Graham Johnson, piano
Ellens Gesang II, D. 838 Abigail Arnold, soprano; Graham Johnson, piano
Bootgesang, D. 835 Daniel Luis Espinal, tenor; Robert Wente, baritone; Yulin Yan, bass baritone; Evan Katsefes, tenor; Matthew Gemmill, piano
Coronach, D. 836 Abigail Arnold, soprano; Sophia Maekawa, mezzo-soprano; Sophia Baete, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Gemmill, piano
Normans Gesang, D. 846 Daniel Luis Espinal, tenor; Michael Sikich, piano
Ellens Gesang III (Ave Maria), D. 839 Sophia Baete, mezzo-soprano; Lucas Nogara, piano
Lied des gefangenen Jägers, D. 843 Robert Wente, baritone; Ye In Kwak, piano
Der Tanz, D. 826 Full Company; Ting Ting Wong, piano
Program and featured artists are subject to change.