This special event revolves around Heinrich Heine, one of Germany’s greatest poets. Active in the 19th century Heine’s poetry has been set to music by many of the great 19th and 20th century composers including Schumann, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Brahms, Strauss, and Hugo Wolf. The seminar includes lectures, a master class, a round-table discussion. There will be two recitals as part of the festival, each featuring students from Westminster Choir College performing poetry of Heinrich Heine set by various composers. Both recitals will be preceded by a pre-concert lecture on Heine and the music to be performed. Participants interested in singing in the master class should contact the Office of Continuing Education for details. People enrolled in the seminar will receive complimentary tickets to the concerts.

Festival presenters include noted author and art song scholar Susan Youens of the University of Notre Dame, Scott Burnham of Princeton University, accompanist and vocal coach J.J. Penna, musical author and authority Barry Seldes, and art song expert Lindsey Christiansen.