Winterreise is an epic song cycle that has been recorded, discussed and performed millions of times. There is a reason why. However, this particular singer and his work with William Kentridge served a catalyst for me as a programmer to dare to hear standard repertoire with a visual lens. Their version, performed at Lincoln Center in 2014, inspired me to see and search for artists who can successfully take master works of genius from the past and create living connections to today. Now, National Sawdust is in our second season with our annual Winterreise Festival, where we dare to look at this seminal work and works inspired from it.

Gute Nacht, Winterreise by Franz Schubert, performed by baritone Mattias Goerne, pianist Alfred Brendel