The intense and complex relationship between Robert Schumann, his wife Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms; three of the nineteenth century’s most prolific musicians, has fascinated generations of music lovers  and on 16 June Beloved Clara, an entrancing programme of beautiful music and readings arrives at The Atkinson, Southport.  Beloved Clara stars award winning pianist Lucy Parham and two acclaimed actors – Joanna David who has played roles in many TV costume dramas and will appear in the next series of Downton Abbey and Martin Jarvis, a veteran of BBC TV and radio who has also appeared in many Hollywood films.

Delicately bringing their captivating story to life, this showcase memorialises the sometimes turbulent marriage of Robert and Clara, the arrival of 21 year old Johannes Brahms into their household, Robert’s decline into mental illness and the deepening relationship between Clara and Brahms.

Born Clara Wieck, Clara Schumann was an extraordinary woman, the first female concert pianist and heralded as ‘the next Mozart’. She was also an extraordinarily talented composer and muse to two giants of the Romantic school. In Beloved Clara, her much revered story is told through both music and readings, with each piece of music reflecting the moods of the readings.

The event presents music by Clara and Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms performed by award winning pianist, Lucy Parham, interspersed with extracts from their own letters and diaries, read by celebrated actors Joanna David and Martin Jarvis (see editors notes for full biographies). Originally compiled by Lucy Parham and Jessica Duchen, Beloved Clara has since been updated by Lucy and is constantly evolving through contributions from the actors involved.

Beloved Clara has been performed by a number of well known actors all over the UK and Europe since its premiere at the Wigmore Hall Masters Series in 2002, Its US debut took place in Los Angeles in 2008 and was broadcast on national public radio. After returning to Wigmore Hall in 2010, Beloved Clara received a five star review from the Independent.

“Lovely entertainment, flawlessly performed.” 5* The Independent

Posted on 26 April 2013 under General news