Daughter Schumann

Elke Sommer, star of stage, screen and television, stars in Daughter Schumann in The Webster Bank Parallel Portraits Series, a Sunday afternoon of innovative theatre and exceptional classical music. The fusion of music with theatrical portraits of legendary musical icons highlighted by historical documents, letters, memoirs, newspapers and personal recollections, musical history is brought to life with a poignant portrayal of the people who created some of the most beloved music of our time.

Daughter Schumann takes place on January 9, 1899, in the Interlaken, Switzerland home of Marie Schumann, the first child of seven of Robert and Clara Schumann, when she learns of the death of brother Luddy, institutionalized in an asylum for the past 28 years. Marie, never married, caretaker of Clara till her death, and de facto mother to her younger siblings during their youth, begins to unburden herself in imaginary conversation with Clara. In a retelling of the extraordinary relationships of Clara & Robert, Johannes Brahms and the other great artists of this artistic milieu, Marie’s remarkable story is also revealed. The afternoon features music of Clara & Robert Schumann, Brahms, Joachim and Chopin.