UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Katherine Benson, assistant professor of piano in the Penn State School of Music and College of Arts and Architecture, is featured on a new album, "Faces & Masques," the debut release from the Paramount Chamber Players. The recording highlights the music of Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann, bringing renewed attention to one of classical music’s most compelling artistic partnerships.
Led by Benson, the ensemble collaborates with violinist William Shaub, concertmaster of the Knoxville Symphony. Together, Benson and Shaub present Robert Schumann’s sonatas through what they describe as the “interpretive eyes of Clara,” offering a perspective shaped by the couple’s shared artistic and personal history.
Recorded in Powell Recital Hall at the Martin Center for the Arts at East Tennessee State University, the album embraces a performance style inspired by mid-20th-century recording techniques. Working with noted engineer Dave Schall, the musicians aimed to capture an experience as close to live performance as possible, preserving the natural resonance of the hall and the unedited textures of the instruments.
A CD and digital version of Faces & Masques will be released on Tuesday, April 28, on major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. In conjunction with the release, Benson is currently touring in Tennessee with Shaub, presenting performances in three cities alongside her chamber ensemble, the Paramount Chamber Players.
"Faces & Masques" reflects the Schumanns’ artistic depth and emotional range, exploring themes of identity, resilience and human connection. Benson and Shaub emphasize the enduring relevance of the Schumanns’ music, pointing to its expressive immediacy and its capacity to speak to contemporary audiences.
The release also coincides with the Paramount Chamber Players’ “Schumann Tour,” with performances scheduled across Tennessee and Pennsylvania. A full list of tour dates is available on the ensemble’s website.