The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra continues their 2007-2008 season with Mozart's Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 26 in the Michigan Theater at 8 pm. The concert marks the 11th annual Mozart Birthday Bash, a celebration of Mozart's life and music.
This year's concert features piano prodigy Orion Weiss performing the challenging Piano Concerto No. 21. Also on the program are Mozart's Overture to The Magic Flute, the Symphony No. 41, and Françaix's Hommage à l'ami Papageno. The concert is sponsored by Pfizer with additional support from the MCACA. Weiss will be recording his first CD in the fall of 2007.
Mozart Overture to The Magic Flute (K. 620) Mozart composed much of The Magic Flute in a tiny wooden summer house, but was interrupted by commissions for a Requiem Mass and for a grand, serious opera: La Clemenza di Tito. Back in Vienna, he completed The Magic Flute a mere two days before its premiere. The controlled energy, elegantly shaped phrases, delicate wind writing and familiar melodies represent Mozart at his finest and make this one of the most frequently performed of Mozart's operas.
Françaix Hommage à l'ami Papageno Penning his first composition at the tender age of six, Françaix composed over 200 pieces in a variety of styles. His own modern spin was put on the old modes of expression, including Mozart's The Magic Flute; whose lovesick bird-catcher inspired this light and witty work.
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 (K. 467, C major) Featured in the film Superman Returns, this is among the most technically demanding of all Mozart's concerti. Papa Mozart regarded this concerto as "astonishingly difficult," a piece notable for its lyrical second movement.
Mozart Symphony No. 41 (K. 551) The Olympian grandeur in this, Mozart's largest and most complex symphony, has earned the 41st the nickname of "The Jupiter Symphony." It has been regarded as "… the greatest orchestral work of the world which preceded the French Revolution."
All ticket holders are invited to join Maestro Lipsky at 7 pm for a discussion of the evening's program.
Orion Weiss has already established himself as an extraordinary young talent, exhibiting great maturity and depth bolstered by remarkable technical skills. Mr. Weiss won the 2005 Julliard William Petschek Award and was featured in both the 2004 Musical America and March 2004 Symphony Magazine as part of the next generation of artists in classical music. "Fluent, graceful and almost ethereally poetic" are words which frequently describe Weiss' music making. Weiss was also honored by winning Kalamazoo's Gilmore Young Artist Award at the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival as well as winning the 2002 Avery Fisher Career Grant. -- www.a2so.com
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