The chamber vocal ensemble Soirées Musicales Quintette, now in its twelfth year, presents another special program of romantic song. Robert Schumann’s collection titled Myrthen (Myrtles) Op.25 is rarely performed complete, but it contains some of his most admired songs, such as Widmung (Devotion), Der Nussbaum (The Walnut Tree) and Die Lotusblume (The Lotus-flower). The work’s pervading theme of enduring love signifies its importance for the composer as a wedding gift for his beloved Clara Wieck, whom he married in 1840.

This program also features a set of piano Romances Op.11, composed around the same time by Clara. A special feature of this performance is the historic Streicher piano built in Vienna in 1843, which is the ideal vehicle for music by Robert and Clara Schumann.