During his lifetime, Felix Mendelssohn was a musical celebrity, regarded as one of the most prolific and gifted composers that the music world had ever known. After his death, however, his legacy was subject to the anti-Semitism prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

His considerable talents have since been rediscovered, making an examination of his life and work a wonderful and worthwhile journey. 

Guests joined Spertus, WFMT, and Conductor Stephen Somary for an exploration into the untold story of Felix Mendelssohn. Learn of his yearnings, struggles, and successes through his music, letters, artwork, and more.

This all-day seminar included a lecture, discussion, and live performances of Mendelssohn’s work.

Conductor Stephen Somary is artistic director of The Mendelssohn Project, an organization dedicated to the collection of unpublished music, letters, and artworks by Felix Mendelssohn, with the goal of presenting previously unknown works through recordings, concerts, books, film, and theater performances. In 2011, Maestro Somary was appointed Music Director of Amor Artis, a chorus and chamber orchestra in New York City.