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
The Romantic Revolution: Sound, Story & Emotion
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Discover the bold emotions and expressive colours that define the Romantic Era in this richly engaging Musically Speaking event. Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte guides audiences through the lives and legacies of composers who reshaped musical storytelling. Featured HPO performances include Mendelssohn’s soaring Violin Concerto, Dvorák’s radiant String Quintet No. 8, and Ravel’s dreamlike Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess). From sweeping melodies to intimate chamber textures, this program reveals how Romantic composers captured the deepest facets of the human spirit.
Winter Wonders: The Soundtrack of the Season
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Celebrate the enchantment of winter through some of the most beloved seasonal works ever written. Join Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte as we explore the surprising stories and musical traditions behind iconic cold-weather favourites. Enjoy charming video performances from the HPO, including Vince Guaraldi’s nostalgic Charlie Brown Christmas, Irving Berlin’s timeless White Christmas, and Handel’s jubilant Hallelujah Chorus. Journey through Vivaldi’s frosty brilliance in Winter from The Four Seasons, delight in the playful sparkle of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, and step into the magical world of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. A warm and welcoming afternoon perfect for music lovers of all ages.
Beethoven Unbound: Genius, Innovation & Influence
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
The Westdale Cinema
Hosted by Abigail Richardson-Schulte
A deep dive into the musical genius that changed everything!
Experience Beethoven’s extraordinary impact on music history in an illuminating afternoon led by Abigail Richardson-Schulte. This talk traces the composer’s revolutionary voice and the musical world that shaped him, paired with video performances from the HPO. Enjoy the elegance and clarity of Mozart’s Oboe Quartet in F major—a work that inspired generations—and immerse yourself in the rhythmic power and exuberant momentum of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. A must-attend for Beethoven enthusiasts and curious listeners alike.
Hosted by HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte
