THE TWO FACES OF THE DRAME
THE TWO FACES OF THE DRAME
THE TWO FACES OF THE DRAME
Classical
Music
Classical
Music
Mental Health
Mental Health
The Two Faces of the Dream
A National Dialogue on Classical Music and Mental Health
Project Summary
The two faces of the drame is a bold, nation-wide concert and dialogue series that explores the profound connection between classical music and mental health. Inspired by the life and emotional world of composer Robert Schumann, the project weaves together live performances and public conversations to destigmatize psychological vulnerability and promote healing through the arts.
Each event features a powerful pairing: a concert of emotionally resonant works by composers such as Robert Schumann—composers who struggled with mental illness—alongside a pre-concert dialogue led by licensed mental health professionals. Together, these two parts foster reflection, empathy, and open discourse around emotional wellbeing.
Held in cities and communities across Canada throughout 2026, the series emphasizes accessibility, relevance, and emotional connection. Concerts will take place in cultural centres, universities, and community spaces, inviting audiences to experience classical music not only as beauty, but as a compassionate and humanizing force.
By blending art and mental health advocacy, The Two Faces of the Dream challenges stigma, amplifies lived experiences, and positions classical music as a vital space for public care and conversation.
Format
Each event will consist of two parts:
Public Dialogue Segment – A 60-70 minute bilingual talk or moderated conversation led by a licensed mental health professional, addressing the psychological experiences and creative processes of selected composers.
Live Concert Performance – A 60–70-minute concert by emerging Canadian classical artists, performing the music discussed in the talk, curated for emotional resonance and historical depth.
Tour Plan (2026)
The project is planned as a national tour from January to December 2026, with performances in approximately 20 cities across Canada. Planned stops include Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Québec City, Ottawa, and several university towns. Concerts will take place in community venues, universities, cultural centres, and local concert halls. In each city, we will engage local media and mental health networks to promote attendance and community involvement.
Goals & Impact
Mental Health Awareness: Foster public conversations on mental health, using music history as an emotionally resonant entry point.
Audience Development: Attract younger, diverse, and culturally curious audiences to classical music through an innovative format.
Artist Visibility: Provide national touring opportunities for emerging Canadian and
Canada-based musicians.
Social Engagement: Partner with local organizations to reach BIPOC communities,
students, and underserved groups.
Target Audience
Youth and students
Mental health professionals and advocates
Classical music audiences and newcomers
University communities and educators
Media and cultural institutions
Why This Project Matters
In an era of rising mental health crises, especially among youth and creatives, this project uses beauty and vulnerability to shift conversations. It is not only a performance series, but a national dialogue that repositions classical music as a space of empathy, reflection, and social relevance.
By illuminating the emotional lives of composers and openly addressing mental health through both music and conversation, Les Deux Visages du Rêve aims to dismantle stigma, challenge harmful misconceptions, and reduce the social marginalization often faced by those living with mental illness. Ultimately, the project seeks to foster a more open, compassionate public discourse that not only promotes understanding but also contributes to suicide prevention and emotional well-being across diverse communities.
The Two Faces of the Dream
A National Dialogue on Classical Music and Mental Health
Project Summary
The two faces of the drame is a bold, nation-wide concert and dialogue series that explores the profound connection between classical music and mental health. Inspired by the life and emotional world of composer Robert Schumann, the project weaves together live performances and public conversations to destigmatize psychological vulnerability and promote healing through the arts.
Each event features a powerful pairing: a concert of emotionally resonant works by composers such as Robert Schumann—composers who struggled with mental illness—alongside a pre-concert dialogue led by licensed mental health professionals. Together, these two parts foster reflection, empathy, and open discourse around emotional wellbeing.
Held in cities and communities across Canada throughout 2026, the series emphasizes accessibility, relevance, and emotional connection. Concerts will take place in cultural centres, universities, and community spaces, inviting audiences to experience classical music not only as beauty, but as a compassionate and humanizing force.
By blending art and mental health advocacy, The Two Faces of the Dream challenges stigma, amplifies lived experiences, and positions classical music as a vital space for public care and conversation.
Format
Each event will consist of two parts:
Public Dialogue Segment – A 60-70 minute bilingual talk or moderated conversation led by a licensed mental health professional, addressing the psychological experiences and creative processes of selected composers.
Live Concert Performance – A 60–70-minute concert by emerging Canadian classical artists, performing the music discussed in the talk, curated for emotional resonance and historical depth.
Tour Plan (2026)
The project is planned as a national tour from January to December 2026, with performances in approximately 20 cities across Canada. Planned stops include Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Québec City, Ottawa, and several university towns. Concerts will take place in community venues, universities, cultural centres, and local concert halls. In each city, we will engage local media and mental health networks to promote attendance and community involvement.
Goals & Impact
Mental Health Awareness: Foster public conversations on mental health, using music history as an emotionally resonant entry point.
Audience Development: Attract younger, diverse, and culturally curious audiences to classical music through an innovative format.
Artist Visibility: Provide national touring opportunities for emerging Canadian and
Canada-based musicians.
Social Engagement: Partner with local organizations to reach BIPOC communities,
students, and underserved groups.
Target Audience
Youth and students
Mental health professionals and advocates
Classical music audiences and newcomers
University communities and educators
Media and cultural institutions
Why This Project Matters
In an era of rising mental health crises, especially among youth and creatives, this project uses beauty and vulnerability to shift conversations. It is not only a performance series, but a national dialogue that repositions classical music as a space of empathy, reflection, and social relevance.
By illuminating the emotional lives of composers and openly addressing mental health through both music and conversation, Les Deux Visages du Rêve aims to dismantle stigma, challenge harmful misconceptions, and reduce the social marginalization often faced by those living with mental illness. Ultimately, the project seeks to foster a more open, compassionate public discourse that not only promotes understanding but also contributes to suicide prevention and emotional well-being across diverse communities.
