Cultural Bridges Unveiled

In the realm of music and its related arts, the Children's Scenes Op. 15 by Robert Schumann holds a special place. This collection of musical compositions evokes a poetic and aesthetic response, capturing the curiosity of children and immersing them in the enchanting worlds of literature, painting, and, of course, music. Romana Obermair, a visionary in the field, conceptualised a project that would bring together young piano students from China and Austria to express their thoughts and emotions while listening to Schumann's music.

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Discovering the Magic of Schumann's "Children's Scenes"

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The Children's Scenes Op. 15 by Robert Schumann serve as a gateway to the imaginative and poetic world of music for children. Through intertwined melodies and delicate harmonic twists, Schumann weaves dreamlike tales that are humorous, unusual, hopeful, and tranquil. These compositions kindle the curiosity of young minds, inspiring them to explore literature, painting, and other related arts. Romana Obermair recognized the immense potential of these musical pieces to unlock the creative prowess of young pianists and set out on a unique project to capture their interpretations.

Intercontinental Collaboration

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With the goal of celebrating interculturality and intermediality, Romana Obermair invited piano students from two different continents, China and Austria, to participate in the project. Children from the bustling Chinese mega-cities of Suzhou and Wuxi joined hands with their counterparts from the serene town of Bad Goisern in Austria. This collaboration not only showcased the cultural diversity of the participants but also highlighted the shared artistic sensibilities that transcend geographical boundaries.

Creating Personal Connections Through Art

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The essence of the project lay in allowing the children to express their individual feelings and thoughts while listening to Schumann's music. The young participants embarked on a journey of self-discovery, using their artistic talents to create drawings that served as visual representations of their personal connections with the music. The amalgamation of diverse backgrounds, influenced by the unique living environments of Asia and Europe, led to a captivating collection of "scenes from childhood" that captured the essence of Schumann's compositions. Live Performances and Installations:
To showcase the remarkable artwork produced by the children, live concerts and installations were organized in Suzhou and Wuxi, featuring performances of Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood" by the talented pianist, Dr. Brugger from the AME (Academy of Music Education). These events provided a platform for the young artists to share their creative interpretations with a wider audience. The vivid and imaginative drawings served as captivating visuals, enhancing the concert experience and further reinforcing the interplay between music and art. Bringing this collaborative project to life required meticulous planning and execution. Roromedia took up the challenge of transforming the children's drawings and texts into a visually stunning book. The intricate process involved curating the artwork, designing layouts, and ensuring that the book truly reflected the essence of the project. Roromedia's dedication to preserving the authenticity and vibrancy of the children's interpretations shines through in the final product.

Romana Obermair's idea and the Roromedia book design and printing process have given birth to a remarkable testament to the power of music and its connection to other art forms.

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