Queensland Symphony Orchestra set to celebrate the musical genius of Mozart
Arguably one of the most gifted musicians in the history of classical music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was writing his own compositions by the age of six, and started writing his first opera in 1767 when he was 11. He was a great composer, conductor, virtuoso pianist, organist and violinist, with his talent ranging from opera to symphony, to chamber, choral and vocal music. In short: a super talent.
So, when someone says, MORE MOZART, Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) listens! The Orchestra is readying to perform two mighty Mozart concert events in Mozart’s Clarinet on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 April, and Mozart’s Requiem on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May.
The first concert, Mozart’s Clarinet, will see QSO’s Section Principal Clarinet Irit Silver as soloist, in the spotlight under the baton of Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser Johannes Fritzsch.
She will bring to life his Clarinet Concerto, and said she was looking forward to performing this most out of all the works in 2022. “Although it is nerve-racking, it is always a pleasure to stand in front of our fantastic orchestra to play Mozart’s most loved concerto,” she said. “Every time I play the concerto, I try to find some new interest and nuance in it which keeps it challenging and exciting.”
Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 was written in October 1791, possibly for the even more rare cousin of the clarinet, the basset clarinet, however the version we know now is played on clarinet. The concerto piece was the final instrumental work by the great composer, completed less than two months before his death at age 35. The Orchestra will also perform Australian composer Melody Eötvös’ stunning composition The Saqqara Bird, an ear-catching musical tribute to a unique little wooden bird discovered in an Egyptian archaeological dig in 1898. Finally, Maestro Fritzsch conducts Martin?’s energetic and life-affirming First Symphony.
Less than one month later, QSO will perform one of Mozart’s most iconic works – his beloved Requiem. The Orchestra joins forces with Brisbane Chamber Choir under the baton of talented American conductor Jonathan Stockhammer for this majestic work.
“The searing intensity of this music – once heard is never forgotten – somehow manages to rouse, thrill us and comfort us simultaneously. If you have never heard this music live, mark this concert in your calendar and prepare to be moved,” said Queensland Symphony Orchestra Director – Artistic Planning Timothy Matthies. “The concert also includes Debussy’s Prelude to “The Afternoon of a Faun“, and Stravinsky’s colourful Symphonies of Wind Instruments, where our woodwind and brass players will showcase their artistry and talent,” he said.
Readers also enjoyed our story about Queensland Music Awards
