Heyward conducts Schumann & Brahms

Robert Schumann’s faith in a young Johannes Brahms forged one of music’s most profound artistic bonds. This program traces that connection from Schumann’s introspective Violin Concerto, written as his mental health rapidly declined, to Brahms’s luminous Second Symphony. Music Director Jonathon Heyward shapes an evening where friendship, fragility, and radiant Romantic expression intertwine.

• German violinist Isabelle Faust is a globally celebrated soloist, performing repertoire from early music to contemporary premieres.
• William Grant Still’s Mother and Child offers a brief, lyrical reflection, highlighting his gift for expressive simplicity and songful writing.
• Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 is often compared to Beethoven’s Pastoral for its flowing, nature-inflected character, built from folk-like melodies and an unusually transparent orchestral texture.

• Approximate run time: 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission
• Late seating is not guaranteed, and will happen at the discretion of the front of house manager
• Many Classical concerts include brief onstage remarks from the conductor and select performances feature pre-and post-concert talks
• Come as you are. You'll see everything from casual to cocktail attire.
• This weekend's Symphony at Six Series offers special pre-concert beverages and tapas, with an earlier start time.