Classical Music For the World is hosting its fall festival, which will bring 26 students and teachers from the Robert Schumann Konservatorium in Zwickau, Germany. The festival will feature a series of free events open to the public.

The details

Happening Sept. 28-Oct. 5, the festival celebrates global cultures through a variety of music. The festival will host six public events, four community outreach events at local schools and a music party at Austin Saengerrunde Hall.

“This festival is built on the keystones of healing, peace, and music,” said Younnie Wall, CMFW CEO, founder and festival director. “We hope that everyone who attends will feel a sense of peace and carry the beauty of our shared sounds in their hearts long after the final note.”

Public event details are as follows:


Thursday Noon Concert

As part of Central Presbyterian Church’s Thursday Noon Concert series, Austin’s longest-running free weekly concert series since 1980, performances will be from international visiting musicians from Robert Schumann Konservatorium in Zwickau, Germany.
  • Oct. 2, noon-12:30 p.m.
  • Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth St., Austin
Master Class with Dr. Michael Schneider

Visiting students from Robert Schumann Konservatorium in Germany and Austin young musicians will perform pieces under the coaching of Dr. Michael Schneider, a pianist, composer and conductor.
  • Oct. 3, 4-6:30 p.m.
  • Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Road, Austin
Music & Celebration: Fo Guang Shan Day & Moon Festival

Classical Music For the World is partnering with the Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple to bring music to the celebration, featuring performances by visiting musicians from Robert Schumann Konservatorium in Zwickau, Germany, and CMFW artist Michael Schnieder.
  • Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
  • Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple, 6720 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin
Musical Meditation: "Song of Love"


Acclaimed Texas pianist Michael Schneider will perform a solo recital of works by legendary European composers Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
  • Oct. 4, 4-5:30 p.m.
  • Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Road, Austin
"Concert for All: Music to Heal”

Performances include eurythmy and piano, piano solo, Korean vocalists trio with piano, international visiting musicians from Robert Schumann Conservatory, CMFW Chamber Orchestra, and the Xiang Yun Community Choir.
  • Oct. 5, 4-6 p.m.
  • Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Road, Austin
Some background

CMFW and Robert Schumann Konservatorium have maintained a musical exchange for 13 years with CMFW Austin students and teachers visiting Zwickau, Germany. The program gives young musicians and teachers an opportunity to become “musical ambassadors” in which they can perform, stay with host families and enjoy shared field trips.

“The program is a beautiful initiative that uses the universal language of music to nurture global connections,” Wall said. “It's a truly heart-centered approach to bridging the cultural divide between different countries.”