Schubert on the Road

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.