
Musica Viva Australia: A Winter’s Journey
17 February 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm AEDT

Franz Schubert’s last song cycle, A Winter’s Journey, sets the poems of Wilhelm Müller as a landscape of emotions from loneliness to courage. Roadside features – a linden tree, an icy river, a malevolent crow – become characters in the drama, triggering old memories and new hope. And throughout it all, Schubert’s exquisite writing for voice and piano paints the emotional and physical surroundings in sound.
Internationally-acclaimed British tenor Allan Clayton and Australian pianist Kate Golla appear in a unique presentation of A Winter’s Journey. Director Lindy Hume maps the journey across a desolate terrain, while videographer David Bergman choreographs the scenery using the remarkable visions of Australian artist Fred Williams OBE to colour and illuminate this haunting atlas of the emotions.
‘Fred Williams’ entire output is a journey through the Australian landscape,’ says Paul Kildea. ‘And, just as Müller and Schubert redefine the individual, alone in nature, Williams helps us understand and re-imagine our vast terrain. The sun-beaten landscapes of Fred Williams offer no more comfort than the snowy panoramas evoked by Schubert and Müller. Instead, they celebrate the timelessness and universality of these artists’ great work.’
Related Events
Season Preview

Explore the 2026 season
Our specialist writers analyse this year’s offerings in theatres and concert halls.
What’s On

Explore the online calendar
Find out what’s happening this week and add your own events to our free online calendar.
Limelight+

Dual Subscriptions
Substantial discounts when you subscribe to Limelight and a partner arts organisation.