Musically Speaking
with Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Co-presented by:
Supported by:
Join the HPO and The Westdale Cinema for a series of fascinating music appreciation talks with performances on the big screen! HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte shares captivating stories about some of history’s most celebrated composers. Each talk features unique video recordings from HPO performances.
Musically Speaking Events
From Bach to Haydn
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Discover how Bach laid the foundation for Western classical music, how Haydn’s creativity and humor helped define the symphony and string quartet, and how Mendelssohn revived interest in Bach’s forgotten masterpieces. HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte leads us on a fascinating journey following the thread connecting artistic eras through the stories of Bach, Hadyn and Mendelssohn. Experience their timeless music on the big screen with HPO performance recordings and gain a deeper appreciation for their enduring influence.
Tchaikovsky and What Came After
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Traverse the passionate and expressive worlds of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Gustav Mahler. HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte explores how these two towering composers poured their deepest emotions into their music, creating works of breathtaking beauty and intensity. From Tchaikovsky’s heart-wrenching melodies to Mahler’s vast and soul-searching symphonies, we examine their unique styles, personal struggles and enduring influence on classical music. Through compelling storytelling and HPO performance recordings on the big screen, experience the drama, longing and triumph that define Tchaikovsky and Mahler.
Ravel, Bizet and Finding the French Sound
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Explore the rich musical culture of France with HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte. From the fiery passion of Georges Bizet to the shimmering elegance of Maurice Ravel and the playful wit of Jacques Ibert, this talk examines the defining characteristics of French composition. Through captivating storytelling and video recordings of HPO performances, discover how these composers shaped the French musical identity and influenced generations to come. Don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty and brilliance of French classical music on the big screen!
Beethoven’s Journey
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Take an inspiring journey into the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven. HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte unpacks the extraordinary story of one of classical music’s most revolutionary figures. From his bold early works to the deeply emotional masterpieces of his later years, Beethoven’s music pushed boundaries and redefined what was possible in composition. We explore Beethoven’s genius, his struggles with deafness and his lasting impact on the world of music. Experience the drama, power and beauty of his work like never before on the big screen with HPO performance recordings.
Hosted by HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte
