As Peter fled Rome, he had a vision of the lord walking in the opposite direction. Confused, Peter asked, “Quo Vadis, Domine?”

 

“Where are you going?”

 

 

Why did Schubert compose? What was Schubert probing for in his compositions? What expressive question or existential concern was Schubert trying to elucidate through his compositions?

 

The mission of the Quo Vadis, Schubert? Collective is founded on the curiosity and love that the members have for Schubert’s particular, if sometimes peculiar, musical raison d’être. We feel that a creative impulse that has its expressive outlet in music will be commented on most meaningfully by other music. That is, if we wish to directly address Schubert’s creative impulse, we must enlist compatible contemporary impulses. The members of Quo Vadis, Schubert? seek to explore our attraction towards Schubert by commissioning works from contemporary composers after discussing with them what aspects of Schubert’s music endears him to them or puzzles them.

 

The Quo Vadis, Schubert? Collective will present commissioned works in a series of diverse discussions and concerts alongside works by Schubert. It will be the aim of these concerts not to point towards the greatness of Schubert but rather to shine a brighter light on the human and artistic questions Schubert’s music poses. Through this aim, we hope to demystify the sometimes alarmingly humble aspects of Schubert’s music, thereby encouraging more people to interact with western art music, provide exposure to upcoming composers, and help bridge aesthetic gaps between various musical communities.