Graham Johnson is one of the foremost Lied accompanists in the world and he is about to conduct a series of public masterclasses at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Limelight took the opportunity to ask Johnson about his career-long relationship with the works of Franz Schubert, for him “the greatest of all song composers”.

Graham Johnson, Sarah Ampil and Fiona McArdle at the WAAPA International Art Song Academy, 2017. Photo © Stephen Heath Photography

Graham, when and where did your fascination with Schubert’s music begin, and what inspired you go the extra mile and become expert in it?

In June 1971, I was fortunate to be present at a performance of Schubert’s great song cycle of 24 songs, Winterreise, at the Maltings, Snape. At that stage I was veering towards a career as a chamber music pianist. Peter Pears was 61 and his accompanist, Benjamin Britten was 58. This was one of the greatest ever song duos at the top of their game.

I realised in a flash what song accompaniment could accomplish at the highest level, in tandem with a great singer. It was a Damascene moment. I emerged a very different...