MOZART 250

The Mozartists’ MOZART 250 is an epic project which travels 250 years back in time to follow the chronological trajectory of Mozart’s life, works and influences. From January 2015, the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s childhood visit to London, during which he composed his first significant works, MOZART 250 follows Mozart’s journey, culminating in the year 2041, the 250th anniversary of his death.

“It is hard to think of a more valuable or ambitious long term musical project than Ian Page and Classical Opera’s MOZART 250.”
EARLY MUSIC REVIEW

N.B. We are in the process of creating a new MOZART 250 website which will be shared with the public when ready.

The Mozartists’ MOZART 250 is an epic project which travels 250 years back in time to follow the chronological trajectory of Mozart’s life, works and influences.

1774 (2024)

1774 — a retrospective
18 January 2024, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
Zimmermann Symphony in E minor
Gluck “Par un père cruel” from Iphigénie en Aulide
Gluck “Jupiter, lance la foudre” from Iphigénie en Aulide
Anfossi “Care pupile belle” from La finta giardiniera (UK première)
Salieri “Sperar il caro porto” from La calamita de’ cuori (UK première)
Mozart “Ergo interest… Quaere superna” K. 143
Mysliveček “Pace e calma in questo sdegno” from Artaserse (UK première)
Mozart Symphony No. 29 in A, K. 201
Gluck Scene from Act 3 of Orphée et Euridice
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano), Sarah Dufresne (soprano), Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Mozart in 1774
2 May 2024, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 28 in C, K.200
Paisiello “Povera prence… Deh, non varcar” from Andromeda
Mozart Bassoon Concerto, K.191
Epistle Sonata in D major, K.144
“Crudeli, fermate… Ah, dal pianto” from La finta giardiniera
Symphony No. 30 in D, K.202
Soloists: Samantha Clarke (soprano), Jane Gower (bassoon)

1773 (2023)

1773 — a retrospective
27 January 2023, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 27 in G major, K.199
Schweitzer “Er ist gekommen… Zwischen Angst und zwischen Hoffen” from Alceste
C. P. E. Bach Symphony in B minor, Wq.182, no.5
Mysliveček “Potea quel pianto” from La Passione di Nostro Signore Gesu Cristo
Haydn “È la pompa un grand’imbroglio” from L’infideltà delusa
Symphony No. 51 in B flat major
Mozart “Exsultate, jubilate”, K.165
Soloists: Alexandra Lowe (soprano)
Arias for Rauzzini
19 September 2023, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K.183
“Dunque sperar poss’io… Il tenero momento” from Lucio Silla, K.135
“Ah se a morir mi chiama” from Lucio Silla, K.135
Paisiello “Dileguatevi dal core” from Sismano nel Mogol
Mozart Symphony No. 23 in D major, K.181
“Exsultate, jubilate”, K. 165
Soloists: Rebecka Wallroth (mezzo-soprano)
1773 — An Opera Kaleidoscope
2 November 2023, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 26 in E flat major, K. 184
Paisiello “Fra tanti affanni” from Sismano nel Mogol
Berezovsky “Misero pargoletto” from Demofoonte
Mysliveček “Di chi m’oltraggia” from Demetrio
“Giusti Dei da voi non chiede” from Demetrio
Haydn “Ho un tumore” from L’infedeltà delusa
“Non v’è rimedio” from L’infedeltà delusa
Paisiello “Ah non tacer, mia vita” from Sismano nel Mogul
Schweitzer Overture to Alceste
“Er ist gekommen… Zwischen Angst” from Alceste
Mysliveček “Basta cosi, vincesti” from Romolo ed Ersilia
Schweitzer “Er ist geschehn… O du, mein zweytes beßres ich” from Alceste
Haydn Scene from Philemon und Baucis
“Bella sera ed aure grate” from L’infedeltà delusa
Soloists: Mimi Doulton (soprano)
Sarah Dufresne (soprano)
Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Guy Cutting (tenor)
Jamie Woollard (bass)

1772 (2022)

1772 — a retrospective
27 January 2022, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 15 in G major, K.124
Jomelli “Barbari, ah! non ferite” from Cerere placata
Traetta “Io resto sempre a piangere” from Antigona
Mozart Epistle Sonatas in E flat major, K.67 and B flat major, K. 68
J. C. Bach “Se tiranni, oh Dei, non siete” from Endimione
Gassmann “Quel nocchier che in gran procella” from La Betulia liberata
Mozart “Ah, perché cercar degg’io” from Il sogno di Scipione
Haydn Symphony No. 52 in C minor
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Jessica Cale (soprano)

Haydn’s ‘Farewell’
15 March 2022, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Haydn Symphony No. 47 in G major
Symphony No. 46 in B major
Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor, ‘Farewell’
Mozart in 1772
21 November 2022, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 21 in A, K.134
“Dalla sponda tenebrosa” from Lucio Silla
Keyboard Concerto in D major, K.107/1
“In un istante… Parto, m’affretto” from Lucio Silla
“Sposo… mia vita… Fra i pensier più  funesi di morte” from Lucio Silla
Symphony No. 20 in D, K.133
“Vanne. T’affretta… Ah se il crudel periglio” from Lucio Silla
Soloists: Louise Alder (soprano)
Steven Devine (harpsichord)

1771 (2021)

Chamber Music Filming
26/27 April 2021 – St Giles’ Cripplegate
Haydn String Quartet in C minor, Op. 17, no. 4
J. C. Bach Harpsichord Concerto in E flat major, Op. 7, no. 5
Haydn Sonata in C minor Hob XVI:20
Soloists: Matthew Truscott,
Julia Kuhn (violins),
Max Mandel (viola),
Sarah McMahon (cello),
Steven Devine (harpsichord)
1771 — a retrospective
8 July 2021, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony in F major, K.75
Mysliveček “Non so se il mio peccato” from Adamo ed Eva
C. P. E. Bach Harpsichord Concerto in C minor, Wq.43/4
Salieri “E non degg’io seguirla… Lungi da te, ben mio” from Armida
Haydn Symphony No. 44 in E minor, ‘Trauer’
Soloists: Kitty Whately (mezzo-soprano)
Steven Devine (harpsichord)
1771 — Mozart’s perspective
22 November 2021, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 12 in G, K.110/75b
Concert aria, “Non curo l’affetto”, K.74b
Paisiello “Onde amiche… Smarrita, tremante” from Annibale in Torino
Mozart Symphony No. 13 in F major, K.112
“Ah, perchè cercar degg’io” (1st version) from Il sogno di Scipione
Hasse “Non esser troppo altero” from Il Ruggiero
Mozart “L’ombra de’ rami tuoi” from Ascanio in Alba, K.111
Symphony No. 14 in A major, K.114
Soloist: Emily Pogorelc (soprano)

1770 (2020)

Our survey of 1770 featured a retrospective concert exploring the year and a three-day mini-festival exploring Mozart’s time in Italy. A complete concert production of Mitridate, re di Ponto was scheduled to take place in November but was unable to go ahead due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

1770 — a retrospective
9 January 2020, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
J.B. Vanhal Symphony in E minor, e1
C.W. Gluck “O del mio dolce ardor” from Paride ed Elena
“Tutto qui mi sorprende… Le belle immagini” from Paride ed Elena
F.J. Haydn “Caro Volpino amabile” (2nd version) from Lo speziale
“Già si vede i vezzi e vanti” from Le pescatrici
J.C. Bach Duet, “Guardami in volto” from Gioas, re di Giuda
Mozart “Lungi da te, mio bene” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Jommelli “Misero pargoletto” from Demofoonte
J.C. Bach Symphony in G minor, Op. 6, no. 6
Mozart Duet, “Se viver non degg’io” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Soloists: Samantha Clarke (soprano)
Ida Ränzlöv (mezzo-soprano)
Mozart in Italy
6-8 March 2020 — Cadogan Hall, London
Friday 6 March
TALK: Mozart in Italy
Cliff Eisen, Professor of Music History at King’s College London, presents an overview of Mozart’s 1770 tour of Italy.
Concert 1: THE AUDITION
Mozart Symphony in D, K.100/62a
P. A. Guglielmi Aria, “In un mar di tante pene” from Ruggiero SC
Aria, “Degna non è d’un soglio” from Ruggiero SJ
Aria, “Ah, spiegar non posso” from Ruggiero RK
Aria, “A morte, men vado” from Ruggiero RK
Trio, “Ingrata mi sgridi” from Ruggiero SC,RK,SJ
Mozart Symphony No. 9 in C, K.73/75a
Aria, “Se tutti i mali miei”, K.83/73p SC
Aria, “Ah, più tremar non voglio”, K.71 (fragment) SJ
Aria, “Misero me… Misero pargoletto”, K.77/73e RK

Soloists: Samantha Clarke (soprano)
Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Saturday 7 March
Illustrated Talk: MOZART AND ITALIAN SACRED MUSIC
G. Allegri Miserere
Mozart Puzzle canons from K.89 Confitebor tibi Domine Thebana bella cantus
Martini Credo (excerpt)
Mozart Quaerite primum Dominum Dei, K.86
E. de Ligniville Stabat Mater (excerpt)
Mozart Miserere, K.85
Cliff Eisen (speaker)
Chamber Choir of King’s College, London
Edward Jones (conductor)
Panel Discussion: MOZART’S 1770 ITALIAN TOUR
Writer and broadcaster James Jolly chairs a discussion with Cliff Eisen, Sergio Durante and Ian Page.
Concert 2: THE ROAD TO ROME
N. Piccinni Aria, “Son Romano, e sono amante” from Cesare in Egitto
I. Celoniati Duet, “Prendi l’estremo addio” from Didone abbandonata
Aria, “Se non odo dal mio bene” from Didone abbandonata SA
Mozart Symphony No. 10 in G major, K.74
Aria, “Se ardire e speranza”, K.82/73o
Aria, “Fra cento affanni e cento”, K.88/73c
J. Mysliveček Overture to La Nitteti
Aria, “Povero cor, tu palpiti” from La Nitteti
Aria, “Se la cagion saprete” from La Nitteti
Mozart Contredanse in B flat major, K.123/73g
Minuet in E flat, K.122/73t
Duet, “Se viver non degg’io” (original version) from Mitridate, re di Ponto

Soloists: Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Sarah Aristidou (soprano)
Sunday 8 March
Illustrated Talk: MOZART’S FIRST STRING QUARTET
Sergio Durante (speaker)
Concert 3: THE COMMISSION
Mozart Symphony (No. 44) in D major, K.81/73l
Galuppi “Un pensier mi dice” from L’amante di tutti
Jommelli Aria, “Misera me!… Ah! ti sento” from Armida abbandonata
Aria, “Fra l’orror di notte oscura” from Armida abbandonata
Aria, “Misera Armida… Odio, furor, dispetto” from Armida abbandonata
Gasparini Aria, “Se di lauri il crine adorno” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Mozart Aria, “Se di lauri il crine adorno” from Mitridate, re di Ponto (1st version, completed by Stanley Sadie)
Symphony in D major, K.84/73q
Aria, “Se di lauri il crine adorno” from Mitridate, re di Ponto (final version)
Gasparini Cavata, “Pallid’ ombre che scorgete” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Mozart Cavatina, “Pallid’ ombre che scorgete” from Mitridate, re di Ponto

Soloists: Sarah Aristidou (soprano)
Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Mitridate, re di Ponto
26 November 2020 — Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre (cancelled due to Covid-19)
It’s the 250th anniversary of the 14-year-old Mozart’s ambitious opera, Mitridate, re di Ponto. First heard at the Teatro Regio Ducale in Milan on 26 December 1770, the composition of this opera marked the end of Mozart’s first trip to Italy, as well as the first operatic success of a composer still a month short of his 15th birthday. The opera is based on Racine’s tragedy Mithridate, and with it the young Mozart displays stunning virtuosity, insight and beauty.

1769 (2019)

In 2019, we presented a wide-ranging survey of the musical year 1769, as well as a selection of fascinating operas from Hasse and Gluck, based on tales from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
1769: A Year in Music
29 January 2019, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Mozart Symphony from Cassation in G major, K.63
Arne Two airs from An Ode upon Dedicating a Building to Shakespeare
“Thou soft flowing Avon”
“Tho’ crimes from death and torture fl y”
Mozart “Cara, se le mie pene”, K.deest
Paisiello “Venga pur” from Don Chisciotte della Mancia
F. J. Haydn “Son vecchio, son furbo” from Le pescatrici
L. Mozart Symphony in G major, ‘Neue Lambach’ – 1st movement
C. P. E. Bach “Gott, sieh dein Volk” from Die Israeliten in der Wüste
Gluck “Nochier che in mezzo all’onde” from Aristeo
Haydn Symphony No. 48 in C major, ‘Maria Theresia’
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano)
James Newby (baritone)
Hasse: Piramo e Tisbe
28 March 2019, 7.30pm – Cadogan Hall, London
A fascinating and highly unusual intermezzo based on a tragic tale from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Composed in 1768 and revived in 1770, it was regarded by the composer as the best of his sixty-two operas, and it differs radically from his previous works, incorporating and developing many of Gluck’s operatic reforms in music of sumptuous lyricism and pathos.
Cast:
Tisbe Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Piramo Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Il padre Gwilym Bowen (tenor)
Gluck: Bauci e filemone & Orfeo
29 & 31 May 2019, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
An enchanting pair of one-act Gluck operas based on stories recounted by Ovid — hailed by the BBC as “the world’s greatest story-teller” — in his celebrated Metamorphoses. Both originally formed part of Le feste d’Apollo, a triple bill composed for a royal wedding in Parma in August 1769.
Cast: (Bauci e Filemone – libretto by Giuseppe Maria Pagnini)
Bauci Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Filemone Lena Belkina (mezzo-soprano)
Giove Gwilym Bowen (tenor)
La pastorella Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Cast: (Orfeo – libretto by Ranieri de’ Calzabigi)
Orfeo Lena Belkina (mezzo-soprano)
Euridice Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Amore Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Actors:
Luke Elliott
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi
Dominyka Morkvėnaitė

1768 (2018)

In 2018, we turned to historical documentation and scholarly research to inform a rich and varied programme of music from the year 1768, culminating in the modern première of the original version of Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne.
1768 – a retrospective
23 January 2018, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Haydn Symphony No. 26 in D minor, “Lamentatione”
Jommelli “Ombre che tacite qui sede” from Fetonte
J. C. Bach Flute Concerto in D major
Haydn “Amore nel mio petto” from Lo speziale
“Salamelica, Semprugna cara” from Lo speziale
Mozart Sinfonia from La finta semplice, K.51
“Amoretti, che ascosi qui siete” from La finta semplice, K.51
Hasse “Perderò l’amato bene” from Piramo e Tisbe
Vanhal Symphony in D minor (d1)
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Katy Bircher (flute)
Haydn: Applausus
15 March 2018, 7.30pm – Cadogan Hall, London
This one-act cantata was commissioned as an act of homage to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Abbot Rainer Kollman of the Cistercian monastery in Zwettl taking his vows. Haydn composed the work in early 1768 but was unable to travel to Zwettl to supervise its performance; he therefore wrote a letter giving detailed instructions of how his music should be performed, and this document has survived, providing fascinating practical information and insights into eighteenth-century performance practice.
Cast:
Temperantia Ellie Laugharne (soprano)
Prudentia Elspeth Marrow (mezzo-soprano)
Justitia Thomas Elwin (tenor)
Fortitudo John Savournin (bass-baritone)
Theologia David Shipley (bass)
Mozart: La finta semplice
2 June 2018, 7.30pm – Birmingham Town Hall
6 & 8 June 2018, 7.00pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Written when the composer was just twelve years old, the opera is based on a sparkling comedy by Carlo Goldoni, and combines situations of great comic invention and genuine humour with music of extraordinary beauty, energy and psychological insight.
Cast:
Rosina, a Hungarian Baroness, sister of Fracasso Regula Mühlemann (soprano)
Don Cassandro, a rich Cremonese landowner Lukas Jakobski (bass)
Don Polidoro, his younger brother Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Giacinta, their sister Sophie Rennert (mezzo-soprano)
Ninetta, their maid Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Fracasso, a Hungarian captain Thomas Elwin (tenor)
Simone, his sergeant Božidar Smiljanić (bass)
Mozart: Bastien und Bastienne
18 September 2018, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
The modern première of the original version of Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne, based on research developed since the relatively recent rediscovery of Mozart’s autograph manuscript.
Haydn Symphony No. 49 in F minor, ‘La Passione’
Anon. Arias from Teutsche Comoedie Arien
“Wurstl mein Schaz’rl”
“Verdopple deine Wuth”
“Die Braut zu vergessen”
“O du arme Welt”
“Du könntest zwar vor allen”
Mozart Bastien und Bastienne, K.50
Soloists: Ellie Laugharne (soprano)
Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Darren Jeffery (bass-baritone)

1767 (2017)

In 2017, we looked back to Mozart’s eleven-year-old self, with productions of his first two stage works, early keyboard sonatas, and a retrospective concert exploring his music alongside that of his contemporaries.
1767 – a retrospective
17 January 2017, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 6 in F major, K.43
Gassmann “Bella in un vago viso” from Amore e Psiche
Gluck “No, crudel, non posso” from Alceste
J. C. Bach “Sopra quel capo indegno” from Carattaco
Abel “Frena le belle lagrime” from Sifari
Mozart Grabmusik, K.42
Haydn “Vidit suum” from Stabat Mater
“Flammis orci” from Stabat Mater
Arne Symphony in C major
Mozart “Natus cadit” from Apollo et Hyacinthus, K.38
Soloists: Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Ashley Riches (bass-baritone))
Mozart: The First Commandment
21 March 2017, 7.30pm – St John’s Smith Square
A rare new production of Mozart’s first stage work, composed when he was just eleven years old. Mozart’s score represents the first part of a three-part sacred drama which was performed in Salzburg in 1767, but the two remaining parts are lost. The music is full of tender beauty, dynamism and descriptive flair, and the young composer’s innate understanding and sympathy for the human condition already shine through.
Cast:
Christian Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Christian Spirit Sam Furness (tenor)
Worldly Spirit Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Compassion Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Justice Helen Sherman (mezzo-soprano)
Kristian Bezuidenhout at Wigmore Hall
16 May 2017, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Composed in the summer of 1767, these works were initially believed to be Mozart’s own compositions, but have since been identified as orchestrations of existing eighteenth-century sonatas. As such, they offer fascinating insights into the eleven-year-old Mozart’s development as a composer.
Mozart Keyboard Concerto No. 1 in F major, K.37
Licenza, “A Berenice… Sol nascente in questo giorno”, K.70
Keyboard Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, K.39
Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in D major, K.40
“Ein ergrimmter Löwe brüllet” from Die Schuldigkeit des ersten Gebots, K.35
Keyboard Concerto No. 4 in G major, K.41
Soloists: Kristian Bezuidenhout (harpsichord)
Soraya Mafi (soprano))
Mozart: Apollo et Hyacinthus
12 & 13 June 2017, 7.30pm – St John’s Smith Square
A new production of Mozart’s delightful Apollo et Hyacinthus, the second of his two stage works from 1767. The opera was sung in Latin, and is based on a colourful story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Mozart was only eleven years old when he wrote this remarkable work, but the music is astonishingly accomplished, frequently anticipating the wonders of his maturity.
Mozart Symphony in G major, K.45a, ‘Lambach’
Grabmusik, K.42 (Sung in German with English surtitles)
Apollo et Hyacinthus, K.38 (Sung in Latin with English surtitles)
Cast: (Grabmusik)
Der Engel Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Die Seele Benjamin Appl (baritone)
Cast: (Apollo et Hyacinthus)
Oebalus Benjamin Hulett (tenor)
Melia Klara Ek (soprano)
Apollo Tim Mead (countertenor)
Zephyrus James Hall (countertenor)
Hyacinthus Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Priest of Apollo Benjamin Appl (baritone)

1766 (2016)

Following the triumphant launch of MOZART 250, we continued our unique traversal of the musical scene 250 years ago with a fascinating programme of works dating from 1766.
1766 – A Retrospective
19 January 2016, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, K.22
N. Jommelli “De’ miei desiri ormai… Che farò” from Il Vologeso
Mozart “Per pietà, bell’ idol mio”, K.78
“O temerario Arbace… Per quel paterno amplesso”, K.79
Vanhal Symphony in G minor (g2)
Haydn “Et incarnatus est” from Missa Cellensis in honorem BVM
Guglielmi “Povera me!… Sento aimè, nè so che sia” from Lo spirito di contradizione
F. I. Beck 1st movement from Symphony in D major, Op.4, no.1
J. C. Bach “Ah, why shou’d love with tyrant sway”
Mozart “Or che il dover… Tali e cotanti sono”, K.36
Symphony in G major, K.45a, ‘Lambach’
Soloists: Louise Alder (soprano)
Benjamin Hulett (tenor))
Jommelli: Il Vologeso
28 April 2016, 7.30pm – Cadogan Hall, London
The UK premiére of Niccolò Jommelli’s Il Vologeso, first performed 250 years ago on 11 February 1766 for the Stuttgart court in Ludwigsburg.
Cast:
Vologeso, King of Parthia Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano)
Berenice, Queen of Armenia, engaged to Vologeso Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Lucio Vero, joint Roman Emperor Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Lucilla, Roman noblewoman, engaged to Lucio Vero Angela Simkin (mezzo-soprano)
Flavio, a Roman ambassador Jennifer France (soprano)
Aniceto, Lucio Vero’s attendant Tom Verney (countertenor)
La Canterina
8 September 2016, 7.30pm – Schloss Esterhazy, Eisenstadt, Austria
19 September 2016, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
This programme was formed of works written in 1766 by Haydn and Josef Mysliveček, known after his death as ‘the divine Bohemian’. Four dynamic arias from Mysliveček’s first opera were framed by two contrasting Haydn works – a superbly crafted symphony and a vivacious comedy about love, deception and singing lessons.
Haydn Symphony No. 34 in D minor
Mysliveček Arias from Semiramide
F. J. Haydn La canterina
Cast:
Gasparina Susanna Hurrell (soprano)
Apollonia Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano)
Don Ettore Kitty Whately (mezzo-soprano)
Don Pelagio Robert Murray (tenor)

1765 (2015)

MOZART 250 launched in 2015 with the first ever in-depth retrospective of Mozart’s childhood visit to London, during which he wrote his first symphonies and arias.
1765 – A Retrospective
22 January 2015, 7.30pm, Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart 250 began in 2015, the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s childhood sojourn in London, and launched with this fascinating retrospective of the year 1765. The programme featured music written in London, Paris, Vienna, Eisenstadt, Naples and The Hague, and included Mozart’s first symphony and concert arias.
Mozart Symphony No. 1 in E flat major K.16
Concert aria, “Va, dal furor portata”, K.21
Gluck “In mezzo a un mar crudele” from Telemaco
J. C. Bach “Cara, la dolce fiamma” from Adriano in Siria
Philidor Scene from Act 3 of Tom Jones
Gluck “Di questa cetra in seno” from Il Parnaso confuso
Sacchini “Barbara figlia ingrata” from Creso
Mozart Concert aria, “Conservati fedele”, K.23
Haydn Symphony No. 39 in G minor
J. C. Bach Trio, “Ah, genitore amato” from Adriano in Siria
Soloists: Anna Devin (soprano)
Sarah Fox (soprano)
John Mark Ainsley (tenor))
Mozart in London
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February 2015, Milton Court, London.
Mozart arrived in London in April 1764 as a uniquely talented eight-year-old, and he and his family stayed for fifteen months. This weekend of events was the first major exploration of this important visit, and as well as all the key works that Mozart composed during the period it featured a vibrant cross-section of music that was being performed in London during his stay, some of which had not been heard since the eighteenth century.
Friday 20 February
Talk: An introduction to Mozart’s London
Cliff Eisen (speaker)
Concert: Mozart’s London
Mozart Symphony No.1 in E flat major, K.16
Arne Four Airs from Judith
“Sleep, gentle Cherub! Sleep descend”
“Adorn’d with every matchless grace”
“O torment great, too great to bear”
“No more the heathen shall blaspheme”
J.C. Bach Harpsichord Concerto in D major, Op.1, No.6
Three Songs sung at Ranelagh Gardens:
Tenducci “Indeed my dear, in vain you strive”
Anon. “Patty of the Mill”
T. Arne “Nymphs and Shepherds”
Mozart Symphony No. 4 in D major, K.19
T. Arne Four Airs from Act 1 of Artaxerxes
“Amid a thousand racking woes”
“Behold on Lethe’s dismal strand”
“O too lovely, too unkind”
“Fly, soft ideas, fly”
Soloists: Anna Maria Labin (soprano)
Helen Sherman (mezzo-soprano)
Robert Murray (tenor)
Steven Devine (harpsichord)
Saturday 21 February
Discussion: Mozart in London
Andrew McGregor, Cliff Eisen, Ian Page & David Vickers
Concert: Capricious Lovers: The English Opera in Mozart’s London
George Rush Overture and arias from The Capricious Lovers
Overture (Allegro – Allegretto – Allegro)
“Thus laugh’d at, jilted and betray’d”
“How strange the mode which truth neglects”
“If tyrant love with cruel dart”
Trio, “For thee my love shall ever burn”
Michael Arne & Jonathan Battishill Arias from Almena
“Till thou seest the timid fawn” (Arne)
“Would you taste of freedom’s charms” (Battishill)
“The martial host and tented plain” (Battishill)
William Bates Arias from Pharnaces
“In this I fear my latest breath”
“The spectre Death when view’d from far”
Trio, “The gracious pow’rs with timely care”
Thomas Arne Overture and arias from The Guardian Outwitted
Overture (Con spirito – Larghetto – Andantino ed amoroso)
Duet, “O Dolly, I part with a hole in my heart”
“When from beauty sweetly blooming”
“O how great is the vexation”
(pasticcio) Arias from The Maid of the Mill
“To speak my mind” (Duni)
“In love to pine” (the late Elector of Saxony)
“Hist, hist! I hear my mother call!” (Arnold)
Duet, “My life, my joy” (J.C. Bach)
Thomas Arne Arias from Artaxerxes
“If the river’s swelling waves”
“By that belov’d embrace”
“Monster, away!”
“Thou like the glorious sun”
Soloists: Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Sarah-Jane Brandon (soprano)
Samantha Price (mezzo-soprano)
Robert Murray (tenor)
Talk: A night at the Opera in Mozart’s London</td
David Snowman (speaker)
Concert: An Exotic and Irrational Entertainment: The Italian Opera in Mozart’s London
(pasticcio) Arias from Ezio
Vento “Belle luci che accendete”
Pescetti “Caro mio bene, addio”
(pasticcio) Arias from Berenice
Vento “Che pretendi, o ciel tiranno?”
J.C. Bach “Confusa, smarrita”
J.C. Bach Arias from Adriano in Siria
“Disperato in mar turbato”
“Tutti nemici e rei”
“Ah, come mi balza il cor… Deh, lascia, o ciel pietoso”
Vento Arias from Demofoonte
“Misero pargoletto”
“Se tutti i mali miei”
Duet, “Sposo, consorte… La destra ti chiedo”
(pasticcio) Arias from Solimano
Pescetti “Se del caro mio germano”
Perez “Se non ti moro a lato”
Soloists: Anna Devin (soprano)
Martene Grimson (soprano)
Samantha Price (mezzo-soprano)
Sunday 22 February
Concert: The Genesis of Genius: Mozart’s Chelsea Notebook
1. 2.
[Allegro] in F, K.15a A Contemporary Report on Mozart’s Genius
[Andantino] in C, K.15b ‘Sonata Finale’(?) in F, K.15x
[Menuett] in G, K.15c [Minuetto] in G, K.15y
[Rondeau] in D, K.15d ‘Sonata Finale’(?) in B flat, K.15aa
[Contredanse] in G, K.15e ‘Sonata Finale’(?) in D, K.15bb
[Tempo di Minuetto] in C, K.15f ‘Sonata First movement’(?) in E flat, K.15cc
[Contredanse] in F, K.15h
[Minuetto] in A (with Trio in A minor), K.15i/k The “London Notebook” – which instrument?
[Contredanse] in A (with Trio in A minor), K.15l [Minuetto] in E flat, K.15ee
[Minuetto] in F, K.15m [Minuetto] in A flat, K.15ff
[Andante] in D, K.15o [Rondeau] in F, K.15hh
Introducing Mozart’s “London Notebook” ‘Sonata’(?) (or Sinfonia):
‘Sonata’(?) (or Sinfonia): . . . . . . . I: B flat, K.15ii
. . . . . . . I: G minor, K.15p . . . . . . . II: E flat, K.15kk
. . . . . . . II: B flat, K.15q . . . . . . . III: B flat, K.15ll
. . . . . . . III: G minor, K.15r
‘Sonata’(?) (or Sinfonia): [Andante] in E flat, K.15mm
. . . . . . . I: F, K.15t [Tempo di Minuetto] in F, K.15oo
. . . . . . . II: D minor, K.15u [Minuetto] in B flat, K.15pp
. . . . . . . III: F, K.15v [Minuetto] in E flat, K.15qq
Soloists: John Irving (fortepiano)
Talk: Georgian London
Lucy Inglis (speaker)
Concert: Bach, Abel and Mozart: London Concert Life in 1765
J.C. Bach Symphony in G major, Op.3, No.6
Mozart “Va, dal furor portata”, K.21
J.C. Bach “Cara, la dolce fiamma” from Adriano in Siria
Abel Symphony in E flat, Op.7, No.6
Overture to Love in a Village
J.C. Bach “Misera, che ascoltai… Più madre non sono” from Orione
“Non so d’onde viene” from Ezio
Mozart Symphony in F major, K.19a
Soloists: Eleanor Dennis (soprano)
Ben Johnson (tenor)
J.C. Bach: Adriano in Siria
14, 16, 18 April 2015, 7.00pm – Britten Theatre, London
The première of Johann Christian Bach’s Adriano in Siria took place at the King’s Theatre, Haymarket on 26 January 1765, the eve of Mozart’s ninth birthday, and attracted such a large audience that scarcely a third of those assembled were able to get seats.
Cast:
Adriano, Roman Emperor Rowan Hellier (mezzo-soprano)
Osroa, King of the Parthians Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Emirena, daughter of Osroa, in love with Farnaspe Ellie Laugharne (soprano)
Farnaspe, a Syrian prince, in love with Emirena Erica Eloff (soprano)
Sabina, a Roman noblewoman, engaged to Adriano Filipa van Eck (soprano)
Aquilio, a Roman tribune, in love with Sabina Nick Pritchard (tenor)
Adriano’s attendant Daniel Swan
Sabina’s lady-in-waiting Lauren Okadigbo
Emirena’s lady-in-waiting Lotte Tickner
Soldiers, Parthians, puppeteers, scene changers Leiran Gibson, Victoria Haynes, Lauren Okadigbo, Sandro Piccirilli, Lotte Tickner

1774 (2024)

1774 — a retrospective

18 January 2024, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London

Soloists: Chiara Skerath, Sarah Dufresne (sopranos), Alessandro Fisher (tenor)

Zimmermann
Symphony in E minor
Gluck
“Par un père cruel” from Iphigénie en Aulide
“Jupiter, lance la foudre” from Iphigénie en Aulide
Anfossi
“Care pupile belle” from La finta giardiniera (UK première)
Salieri
“Sperar il caro porto” from La calamita de’ cuori (UK première)
Mozart
“Ergo interest… Quaere superna” K.143
Mysliveček
“Pace e calma in questo sdegno” from Artaserse (UK première)
Mozart
Symphony No. 29 in A, K.201
Gluck
Scene from Act 3 of Orphée et Euridice

Mozart in 1774

2 May 2024, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London

Soloists: Samantha Clarke (soprano), Jane Gower (bassoon)

Mozart
Symphony No. 28 in C major, K.200
Paisiello
“Povera prence… Deh, non varcar” from Andromeda
Mozart
Bassoon Concerto in B flat major, K.191
Epistle Sonata in D major, K.144
“Crudeli, fermate… Ah, dal pianto” from La finta giardiniera
Symphony No. 30 in D major, K.202

1773 (2023)

1773 — a retrospective

27 January 2023, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London

Soloists: Alexandra Lowe (soprano)

Mozart
Symphony No. 27 in G major, K.199
Schweitzer
“Er ist gekommen… Zwischen Angst und zwischen Hoffen” from Alceste
C. P. E. Bach
Symphony in B minor, Wq.182, no.5
Mysliveček
“Potea quel pianto” from La Passione di Nostro Signore Gesu Cristo
Haydn
“È la pompa un grand’imbroglio” from L’infideltà delusa
Symphony No. 51 in B flat major
Mozart
“Exsultate, jubilate”, K.165

Arias for Rauzzini

19 September 2023, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London

Soloists: Rebecka Wallroth (mezzo-soprano)

Mozart
Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K.183
“Dunque sperar poss’io… Il tenero momento” from Lucio Silla, K.135
“Ah se a morir mi chiama” from Lucio Silla, K.135
Paisiello
“Dileguatevi dal core” from Sismano nel Mogol
Mozart
Symphony No. 23 in D major, K.181
“Exsultate, jubilate”, K. 165

1773 — An Opera Kaleidoscope

2 November 2023, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London

Soloists: Mimi Doulton, Sarah Dufresne, Kiandra Howarth (sopranos), Guy Cutting (tenor), Jamie Woollard (bass)

Mozart
Symphony No. 26 in E flat major, K. 184
Paisiello
“Fra tanti affanni” from Sismano nel Mogol
Berezovsky
“Misero pargoletto” from Demofoonte
Mysliveček
“Di chi m’oltraggia” from Demetrio
“Giusti Dei da voi non chiede” from Demetrio
Haydn
“Ho un tumore” from L’infedeltà delusa
“Non v’è rimedio” from L’infedeltà delusa
Paisiello
“Ah non tacer, mia vita” from Sismano nel Mogul
Schweitzer
Overture to Alceste
“Er ist gekommen… Zwischen Angst” from Alceste
Mysliveček
“Basta cosi, vincesti” from Romolo ed Ersilia
Schweitzer
“Er ist geschehn… O du, mein zweytes beßres ich” from Alceste
Haydn
Scene from Philemon und Baucis
“Bella sera ed aure grate” from L’infedeltà delusa

1772 (2022)

1772 — a retrospective
27 January 2022, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 15 in G major, K.124
Jomelli “Barbari, ah! non ferite” from Cerere placata
Traetta “Io resto sempre a piangere” from Antigona
Mozart Epistle Sonatas in E flat major, K.67 and B flat major, K. 68
J. C. Bach “Se tiranni, oh Dei, non siete” from Endimione
Gassmann “Quel nocchier che in gran procella” from La Betulia liberata
Mozart “Ah, perché cercar degg’io” from Il sogno di Scipione
Haydn Symphony No. 52 in C minor
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Jessica Cale (soprano)

Haydn’s ‘Farewell’
15 March 2022, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Haydn Symphony No. 47 in G major
Symphony No. 46 in B major
Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor, ‘Farewell’
Mozart in 1772
21 November 2022, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 21 in A, K.134
“Dalla sponda tenebrosa” from Lucio Silla
Keyboard Concerto in D major, K.107/1
“In un istante… Parto, m’affretto” from Lucio Silla
“Sposo… mia vita… Fra i pensier più  funesi di morte” from Lucio Silla
Symphony No. 20 in D, K.133
“Vanne. T’affretta… Ah se il crudel periglio” from Lucio Silla
Soloists: Louise Alder (soprano)
Steven Devine (harpsichord)

1771 (2021)

Chamber Music Filming
26/27 April 2021 – St Giles’ Cripplegate
Haydn String Quartet in C minor, Op. 17, no. 4
J. C. Bach Harpsichord Concerto in E flat major, Op. 7, no. 5
Haydn Sonata in C minor Hob XVI:20
Soloists: Matthew Truscott,
Julia Kuhn (violins),
Max Mandel (viola),
Sarah McMahon (cello),
Steven Devine (harpsichord)
1771 — a retrospective
8 July 2021, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony in F major, K.75
Mysliveček “Non so se il mio peccato” from Adamo ed Eva
C. P. E. Bach Harpsichord Concerto in C minor, Wq.43/4
Salieri “E non degg’io seguirla… Lungi da te, ben mio” from Armida
Haydn Symphony No. 44 in E minor, ‘Trauer’
Soloists: Kitty Whately (mezzo-soprano)
Steven Devine (harpsichord)
1771 — Mozart’s perspective
22 November 2021, 7.30pm — Cadogan Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 12 in G, K.110/75b
Concert aria, “Non curo l’affetto”, K.74b
Paisiello “Onde amiche… Smarrita, tremante” from Annibale in Torino
Mozart Symphony No. 13 in F major, K.112
“Ah, perchè cercar degg’io” (1st version) from Il sogno di Scipione
Hasse “Non esser troppo altero” from Il Ruggiero
Mozart “L’ombra de’ rami tuoi” from Ascanio in Alba, K.111
Symphony No. 14 in A major, K.114
Soloist: Emily Pogorelc (soprano)

1770 (2020)

Our survey of 1770 featured a retrospective concert exploring the year and a three-day mini-festival exploring Mozart’s time in Italy. A complete concert production of Mitridate, re di Ponto was scheduled to take place in November but was unable to go ahead due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

1770 — a retrospective
9 January 2020, 7.30pm — Wigmore Hall, London
J.B. Vanhal Symphony in E minor, e1
C.W. Gluck “O del mio dolce ardor” from Paride ed Elena
“Tutto qui mi sorprende… Le belle immagini” from Paride ed Elena
F.J. Haydn “Caro Volpino amabile” (2nd version) from Lo speziale
“Già si vede i vezzi e vanti” from Le pescatrici
J.C. Bach Duet, “Guardami in volto” from Gioas, re di Giuda
Mozart “Lungi da te, mio bene” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Jommelli “Misero pargoletto” from Demofoonte
J.C. Bach Symphony in G minor, Op. 6, no. 6
Mozart Duet, “Se viver non degg’io” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Soloists: Samantha Clarke (soprano)
Ida Ränzlöv (mezzo-soprano)
Mozart in Italy
6-8 March 2020 — Cadogan Hall, London
Friday 6 March
TALK: Mozart in Italy
Cliff Eisen, Professor of Music History at King’s College London, presents an overview of Mozart’s 1770 tour of Italy.
Concert 1: THE AUDITION
Mozart Symphony in D, K.100/62a
P. A. Guglielmi Aria, “In un mar di tante pene” from Ruggiero SC
Aria, “Degna non è d’un soglio” from Ruggiero SJ
Aria, “Ah, spiegar non posso” from Ruggiero RK
Aria, “A morte, men vado” from Ruggiero RK
Trio, “Ingrata mi sgridi” from Ruggiero SC,RK,SJ
Mozart Symphony No. 9 in C, K.73/75a
Aria, “Se tutti i mali miei”, K.83/73p SC
Aria, “Ah, più tremar non voglio”, K.71 (fragment) SJ
Aria, “Misero me… Misero pargoletto”, K.77/73e RK

Soloists: Samantha Clarke (soprano)
Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Saturday 7 March
Illustrated Talk: MOZART AND ITALIAN SACRED MUSIC
G. Allegri Miserere
Mozart Puzzle canons from K.89 Confitebor tibi Domine Thebana bella cantus
Martini Credo (excerpt)
Mozart Quaerite primum Dominum Dei, K.86
E. de Ligniville Stabat Mater (excerpt)
Mozart Miserere, K.85
Cliff Eisen (speaker)
Chamber Choir of King’s College, London
Edward Jones (conductor)
Panel Discussion: MOZART’S 1770 ITALIAN TOUR
Writer and broadcaster James Jolly chairs a discussion with Cliff Eisen, Sergio Durante and Ian Page.
Concert 2: THE ROAD TO ROME
N. Piccinni Aria, “Son Romano, e sono amante” from Cesare in Egitto
I. Celoniati Duet, “Prendi l’estremo addio” from Didone abbandonata
Aria, “Se non odo dal mio bene” from Didone abbandonata SA
Mozart Symphony No. 10 in G major, K.74
Aria, “Se ardire e speranza”, K.82/73o
Aria, “Fra cento affanni e cento”, K.88/73c
J. Mysliveček Overture to La Nitteti
Aria, “Povero cor, tu palpiti” from La Nitteti
Aria, “Se la cagion saprete” from La Nitteti
Mozart Contredanse in B flat major, K.123/73g
Minuet in E flat, K.122/73t
Duet, “Se viver non degg’io” (original version) from Mitridate, re di Ponto

Soloists: Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Sarah Aristidou (soprano)
Sunday 8 March
Illustrated Talk: MOZART’S FIRST STRING QUARTET
Sergio Durante (speaker)
Concert 3: THE COMMISSION
Mozart Symphony (No. 44) in D major, K.81/73l
Galuppi “Un pensier mi dice” from L’amante di tutti
Jommelli Aria, “Misera me!… Ah! ti sento” from Armida abbandonata
Aria, “Fra l’orror di notte oscura” from Armida abbandonata
Aria, “Misera Armida… Odio, furor, dispetto” from Armida abbandonata
Gasparini Aria, “Se di lauri il crine adorno” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Mozart Aria, “Se di lauri il crine adorno” from Mitridate, re di Ponto (1st version, completed by Stanley Sadie)
Symphony in D major, K.84/73q
Aria, “Se di lauri il crine adorno” from Mitridate, re di Ponto (final version)
Gasparini Cavata, “Pallid’ ombre che scorgete” from Mitridate, re di Ponto
Mozart Cavatina, “Pallid’ ombre che scorgete” from Mitridate, re di Ponto

Soloists: Sarah Aristidou (soprano)
Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Mitridate, re di Ponto
26 November 2020 — Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre (cancelled due to Covid-19)
It’s the 250th anniversary of the 14-year-old Mozart’s ambitious opera, Mitridate, re di Ponto. First heard at the Teatro Regio Ducale in Milan on 26 December 1770, the composition of this opera marked the end of Mozart’s first trip to Italy, as well as the first operatic success of a composer still a month short of his 15th birthday. The opera is based on Racine’s tragedy Mithridate, and with it the young Mozart displays stunning virtuosity, insight and beauty.

1769 (2019)

In 2019, we presented a wide-ranging survey of the musical year 1769, as well as a selection of fascinating operas from Hasse and Gluck, based on tales from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
1769: A Year in Music
29 January 2019, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Mozart Symphony from Cassation in G major, K.63
Arne Two airs from An Ode upon Dedicating a Building to Shakespeare
“Thou soft flowing Avon”
“Tho’ crimes from death and torture fl y”
Mozart “Cara, se le mie pene”, K.deest
Paisiello “Venga pur” from Don Chisciotte della Mancia
F. J. Haydn “Son vecchio, son furbo” from Le pescatrici
L. Mozart Symphony in G major, ‘Neue Lambach’ – 1st movement
C. P. E. Bach “Gott, sieh dein Volk” from Die Israeliten in der Wüste
Gluck “Nochier che in mezzo all’onde” from Aristeo
Haydn Symphony No. 48 in C major, ‘Maria Theresia’
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano)
James Newby (baritone)
Hasse: Piramo e Tisbe
28 March 2019, 7.30pm – Cadogan Hall, London
A fascinating and highly unusual intermezzo based on a tragic tale from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Composed in 1768 and revived in 1770, it was regarded by the composer as the best of his sixty-two operas, and it differs radically from his previous works, incorporating and developing many of Gluck’s operatic reforms in music of sumptuous lyricism and pathos.
Cast:
Tisbe Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Piramo Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Il padre Gwilym Bowen (tenor)
Gluck: Bauci e filemone & Orfeo
29 & 31 May 2019, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
An enchanting pair of one-act Gluck operas based on stories recounted by Ovid — hailed by the BBC as “the world’s greatest story-teller” — in his celebrated Metamorphoses. Both originally formed part of Le feste d’Apollo, a triple bill composed for a royal wedding in Parma in August 1769.
Cast: (Bauci e Filemone – libretto by Giuseppe Maria Pagnini)
Bauci Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Filemone Lena Belkina (mezzo-soprano)
Giove Gwilym Bowen (tenor)
La pastorella Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Cast: (Orfeo – libretto by Ranieri de’ Calzabigi)
Orfeo Lena Belkina (mezzo-soprano)
Euridice Kiandra Howarth (soprano)
Amore Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Actors:
Luke Elliott
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi
Dominyka Morkvėnaitė

1768 (2018)

In 2018, we turned to historical documentation and scholarly research to inform a rich and varied programme of music from the year 1768, culminating in the modern première of the original version of Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne.
1768 – a retrospective
23 January 2018, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Haydn Symphony No. 26 in D minor, “Lamentatione”
Jommelli “Ombre che tacite qui sede” from Fetonte
J. C. Bach Flute Concerto in D major
Haydn “Amore nel mio petto” from Lo speziale
“Salamelica, Semprugna cara” from Lo speziale
Mozart Sinfonia from La finta semplice, K.51
“Amoretti, che ascosi qui siete” from La finta semplice, K.51
Hasse “Perderò l’amato bene” from Piramo e Tisbe
Vanhal Symphony in D minor (d1)
Soloists: Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Katy Bircher (flute)
Haydn: Applausus
15 March 2018, 7.30pm – Cadogan Hall, London
This one-act cantata was commissioned as an act of homage to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Abbot Rainer Kollman of the Cistercian monastery in Zwettl taking his vows. Haydn composed the work in early 1768 but was unable to travel to Zwettl to supervise its performance; he therefore wrote a letter giving detailed instructions of how his music should be performed, and this document has survived, providing fascinating practical information and insights into eighteenth-century performance practice.
Cast:
Temperantia Ellie Laugharne (soprano)
Prudentia Elspeth Marrow (mezzo-soprano)
Justitia Thomas Elwin (tenor)
Fortitudo John Savournin (bass-baritone)
Theologia David Shipley (bass)
Mozart: La finta semplice
2 June 2018, 7.30pm – Birmingham Town Hall
6 & 8 June 2018, 7.00pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Written when the composer was just twelve years old, the opera is based on a sparkling comedy by Carlo Goldoni, and combines situations of great comic invention and genuine humour with music of extraordinary beauty, energy and psychological insight.
Cast:
Rosina, a Hungarian Baroness, sister of Fracasso Regula Mühlemann (soprano)
Don Cassandro, a rich Cremonese landowner Lukas Jakobski (bass)
Don Polidoro, his younger brother Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Giacinta, their sister Sophie Rennert (mezzo-soprano)
Ninetta, their maid Chiara Skerath (soprano)
Fracasso, a Hungarian captain Thomas Elwin (tenor)
Simone, his sergeant Božidar Smiljanić (bass)
Mozart: Bastien und Bastienne
18 September 2018, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
The modern première of the original version of Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne, based on research developed since the relatively recent rediscovery of Mozart’s autograph manuscript.
Haydn Symphony No. 49 in F minor, ‘La Passione’
Anon. Arias from Teutsche Comoedie Arien
“Wurstl mein Schaz’rl”
“Verdopple deine Wuth”
“Die Braut zu vergessen”
“O du arme Welt”
“Du könntest zwar vor allen”
Mozart Bastien und Bastienne, K.50
Soloists: Ellie Laugharne (soprano)
Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Darren Jeffery (bass-baritone)

1767 (2017)

In 2017, we looked back to Mozart’s eleven-year-old self, with productions of his first two stage works, early keyboard sonatas, and a retrospective concert exploring his music alongside that of his contemporaries.
1767 – a retrospective
17 January 2017, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 6 in F major, K.43
Gassmann “Bella in un vago viso” from Amore e Psiche
Gluck “No, crudel, non posso” from Alceste
J. C. Bach “Sopra quel capo indegno” from Carattaco
Abel “Frena le belle lagrime” from Sifari
Mozart Grabmusik, K.42
Haydn “Vidit suum” from Stabat Mater
“Flammis orci” from Stabat Mater
Arne Symphony in C major
Mozart “Natus cadit” from Apollo et Hyacinthus, K.38
Soloists: Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Ashley Riches (bass-baritone))
Mozart: The First Commandment
21 March 2017, 7.30pm – St John’s Smith Square
A rare new production of Mozart’s first stage work, composed when he was just eleven years old. Mozart’s score represents the first part of a three-part sacred drama which was performed in Salzburg in 1767, but the two remaining parts are lost. The music is full of tender beauty, dynamism and descriptive flair, and the young composer’s innate understanding and sympathy for the human condition already shine through.
Cast:
Christian Alessandro Fisher (tenor)
Christian Spirit Sam Furness (tenor)
Worldly Spirit Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Compassion Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Justice Helen Sherman (mezzo-soprano)
Kristian Bezuidenhout at Wigmore Hall
16 May 2017, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Composed in the summer of 1767, these works were initially believed to be Mozart’s own compositions, but have since been identified as orchestrations of existing eighteenth-century sonatas. As such, they offer fascinating insights into the eleven-year-old Mozart’s development as a composer.
Mozart Keyboard Concerto No. 1 in F major, K.37
Licenza, “A Berenice… Sol nascente in questo giorno”, K.70
Keyboard Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, K.39
Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in D major, K.40
“Ein ergrimmter Löwe brüllet” from Die Schuldigkeit des ersten Gebots, K.35
Keyboard Concerto No. 4 in G major, K.41
Soloists: Kristian Bezuidenhout (harpsichord)
Soraya Mafi (soprano))
Mozart: Apollo et Hyacinthus
12 & 13 June 2017, 7.30pm – St John’s Smith Square
A new production of Mozart’s delightful Apollo et Hyacinthus, the second of his two stage works from 1767. The opera was sung in Latin, and is based on a colourful story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Mozart was only eleven years old when he wrote this remarkable work, but the music is astonishingly accomplished, frequently anticipating the wonders of his maturity.
Mozart Symphony in G major, K.45a, ‘Lambach’
Grabmusik, K.42 (Sung in German with English surtitles)
Apollo et Hyacinthus, K.38 (Sung in Latin with English surtitles)
Cast: (Grabmusik)
Der Engel Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Die Seele Benjamin Appl (baritone)
Cast: (Apollo et Hyacinthus)
Oebalus Benjamin Hulett (tenor)
Melia Klara Ek (soprano)
Apollo Tim Mead (countertenor)
Zephyrus James Hall (countertenor)
Hyacinthus Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Priest of Apollo Benjamin Appl (baritone)

1766 (2016)

Following the triumphant launch of MOZART 250, we continued our unique traversal of the musical scene 250 years ago with a fascinating programme of works dating from 1766.
1766 – A Retrospective
19 January 2016, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, K.22
N. Jommelli “De’ miei desiri ormai… Che farò” from Il Vologeso
Mozart “Per pietà, bell’ idol mio”, K.78
“O temerario Arbace… Per quel paterno amplesso”, K.79
Vanhal Symphony in G minor (g2)
Haydn “Et incarnatus est” from Missa Cellensis in honorem BVM
Guglielmi “Povera me!… Sento aimè, nè so che sia” from Lo spirito di contradizione
F. I. Beck 1st movement from Symphony in D major, Op.4, no.1
J. C. Bach “Ah, why shou’d love with tyrant sway”
Mozart “Or che il dover… Tali e cotanti sono”, K.36
Symphony in G major, K.45a, ‘Lambach’
Soloists: Louise Alder (soprano)
Benjamin Hulett (tenor))
Jommelli: Il Vologeso
28 April 2016, 7.30pm – Cadogan Hall, London
The UK premiére of Niccolò Jommelli’s Il Vologeso, first performed 250 years ago on 11 February 1766 for the Stuttgart court in Ludwigsburg.
Cast:
Vologeso, King of Parthia Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano)
Berenice, Queen of Armenia, engaged to Vologeso Gemma Summerfield (soprano)
Lucio Vero, joint Roman Emperor Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Lucilla, Roman noblewoman, engaged to Lucio Vero Angela Simkin (mezzo-soprano)
Flavio, a Roman ambassador Jennifer France (soprano)
Aniceto, Lucio Vero’s attendant Tom Verney (countertenor)
La Canterina
8 September 2016, 7.30pm – Schloss Esterhazy, Eisenstadt, Austria
19 September 2016, 7.30pm – Wigmore Hall, London
This programme was formed of works written in 1766 by Haydn and Josef Mysliveček, known after his death as ‘the divine Bohemian’. Four dynamic arias from Mysliveček’s first opera were framed by two contrasting Haydn works – a superbly crafted symphony and a vivacious comedy about love, deception and singing lessons.
Haydn Symphony No. 34 in D minor
Mysliveček Arias from Semiramide
F. J. Haydn La canterina
Cast:
Gasparina Susanna Hurrell (soprano)
Apollonia Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano)
Don Ettore Kitty Whately (mezzo-soprano)
Don Pelagio Robert Murray (tenor)

1765 (2015)

MOZART 250 launched in 2015 with the first ever in-depth retrospective of Mozart’s childhood visit to London, during which he wrote his first symphonies and arias.
1765 – A Retrospective
22 January 2015, 7.30pm, Wigmore Hall, London
Mozart 250 began in 2015, the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s childhood sojourn in London, and launched with this fascinating retrospective of the year 1765. The programme featured music written in London, Paris, Vienna, Eisenstadt, Naples and The Hague, and included Mozart’s first symphony and concert arias.
Mozart Symphony No. 1 in E flat major K.16
Concert aria, “Va, dal furor portata”, K.21
Gluck “In mezzo a un mar crudele” from Telemaco
J. C. Bach “Cara, la dolce fiamma” from Adriano in Siria
Philidor Scene from Act 3 of Tom Jones
Gluck “Di questa cetra in seno” from Il Parnaso confuso
Sacchini “Barbara figlia ingrata” from Creso
Mozart Concert aria, “Conservati fedele”, K.23
Haydn Symphony No. 39 in G minor
J. C. Bach Trio, “Ah, genitore amato” from Adriano in Siria
Soloists: Anna Devin (soprano)
Sarah Fox (soprano)
John Mark Ainsley (tenor))
Mozart in London
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February 2015, Milton Court, London.
Mozart arrived in London in April 1764 as a uniquely talented eight-year-old, and he and his family stayed for fifteen months. This weekend of events was the first major exploration of this important visit, and as well as all the key works that Mozart composed during the period it featured a vibrant cross-section of music that was being performed in London during his stay, some of which had not been heard since the eighteenth century.
Friday 20 February
Talk: An introduction to Mozart’s London
Cliff Eisen (speaker)
Concert: Mozart’s London
Mozart Symphony No.1 in E flat major, K.16
Arne Four Airs from Judith
“Sleep, gentle Cherub! Sleep descend”
“Adorn’d with every matchless grace”
“O torment great, too great to bear”
“No more the heathen shall blaspheme”
J.C. Bach Harpsichord Concerto in D major, Op.1, No.6
Three Songs sung at Ranelagh Gardens:
Tenducci “Indeed my dear, in vain you strive”
Anon. “Patty of the Mill”
T. Arne “Nymphs and Shepherds”
Mozart Symphony No. 4 in D major, K.19
T. Arne Four Airs from Act 1 of Artaxerxes
“Amid a thousand racking woes”
“Behold on Lethe’s dismal strand”
“O too lovely, too unkind”
“Fly, soft ideas, fly”
Soloists: Anna Maria Labin (soprano)
Helen Sherman (mezzo-soprano)
Robert Murray (tenor)
Steven Devine (harpsichord)
Saturday 21 February
Discussion: Mozart in London
Andrew McGregor, Cliff Eisen, Ian Page & David Vickers
Concert: Capricious Lovers: The English Opera in Mozart’s London
George Rush Overture and arias from The Capricious Lovers
Overture (Allegro – Allegretto – Allegro)
“Thus laugh’d at, jilted and betray’d”
“How strange the mode which truth neglects”
“If tyrant love with cruel dart”
Trio, “For thee my love shall ever burn”
Michael Arne & Jonathan Battishill Arias from Almena
“Till thou seest the timid fawn” (Arne)
“Would you taste of freedom’s charms” (Battishill)
“The martial host and tented plain” (Battishill)
William Bates Arias from Pharnaces
“In this I fear my latest breath”
“The spectre Death when view’d from far”
Trio, “The gracious pow’rs with timely care”
Thomas Arne Overture and arias from The Guardian Outwitted
Overture (Con spirito – Larghetto – Andantino ed amoroso)
Duet, “O Dolly, I part with a hole in my heart”
“When from beauty sweetly blooming”
“O how great is the vexation”
(pasticcio) Arias from The Maid of the Mill
“To speak my mind” (Duni)
“In love to pine” (the late Elector of Saxony)
“Hist, hist! I hear my mother call!” (Arnold)
Duet, “My life, my joy” (J.C. Bach)
Thomas Arne Arias from Artaxerxes
“If the river’s swelling waves”
“By that belov’d embrace”
“Monster, away!”
“Thou like the glorious sun”
Soloists: Rebecca Bottone (soprano)
Sarah-Jane Brandon (soprano)
Samantha Price (mezzo-soprano)
Robert Murray (tenor)
Talk: A night at the Opera in Mozart’s London</td
David Snowman (speaker)
Concert: An Exotic and Irrational Entertainment: The Italian Opera in Mozart’s London
(pasticcio) Arias from Ezio
Vento “Belle luci che accendete”
Pescetti “Caro mio bene, addio”
(pasticcio) Arias from Berenice
Vento “Che pretendi, o ciel tiranno?”
J.C. Bach “Confusa, smarrita”
J.C. Bach Arias from Adriano in Siria
“Disperato in mar turbato”
“Tutti nemici e rei”
“Ah, come mi balza il cor… Deh, lascia, o ciel pietoso”
Vento Arias from Demofoonte
“Misero pargoletto”
“Se tutti i mali miei”
Duet, “Sposo, consorte… La destra ti chiedo”
(pasticcio) Arias from Solimano
Pescetti “Se del caro mio germano”
Perez “Se non ti moro a lato”
Soloists: Anna Devin (soprano)
Martene Grimson (soprano)
Samantha Price (mezzo-soprano)
Sunday 22 February
Concert: The Genesis of Genius: Mozart’s Chelsea Notebook
1. 2.
[Allegro] in F, K.15a A Contemporary Report on Mozart’s Genius
[Andantino] in C, K.15b ‘Sonata Finale’(?) in F, K.15x
[Menuett] in G, K.15c [Minuetto] in G, K.15y
[Rondeau] in D, K.15d ‘Sonata Finale’(?) in B flat, K.15aa
[Contredanse] in G, K.15e ‘Sonata Finale’(?) in D, K.15bb
[Tempo di Minuetto] in C, K.15f ‘Sonata First movement’(?) in E flat, K.15cc
[Contredanse] in F, K.15h
[Minuetto] in A (with Trio in A minor), K.15i/k The “London Notebook” – which instrument?
[Contredanse] in A (with Trio in A minor), K.15l [Minuetto] in E flat, K.15ee
[Minuetto] in F, K.15m [Minuetto] in A flat, K.15ff
[Andante] in D, K.15o [Rondeau] in F, K.15hh
Introducing Mozart’s “London Notebook” ‘Sonata’(?) (or Sinfonia):
‘Sonata’(?) (or Sinfonia): . . . . . . . I: B flat, K.15ii
. . . . . . . I: G minor, K.15p . . . . . . . II: E flat, K.15kk
. . . . . . . II: B flat, K.15q . . . . . . . III: B flat, K.15ll
. . . . . . . III: G minor, K.15r
‘Sonata’(?) (or Sinfonia): [Andante] in E flat, K.15mm
. . . . . . . I: F, K.15t [Tempo di Minuetto] in F, K.15oo
. . . . . . . II: D minor, K.15u [Minuetto] in B flat, K.15pp
. . . . . . . III: F, K.15v [Minuetto] in E flat, K.15qq
Soloists: John Irving (fortepiano)
Talk: Georgian London
Lucy Inglis (speaker)
Concert: Bach, Abel and Mozart: London Concert Life in 1765
J.C. Bach Symphony in G major, Op.3, No.6
Mozart “Va, dal furor portata”, K.21
J.C. Bach “Cara, la dolce fiamma” from Adriano in Siria
Abel Symphony in E flat, Op.7, No.6
Overture to Love in a Village
J.C. Bach “Misera, che ascoltai… Più madre non sono” from Orione
“Non so d’onde viene” from Ezio
Mozart Symphony in F major, K.19a
Soloists: Eleanor Dennis (soprano)
Ben Johnson (tenor)
J.C. Bach: Adriano in Siria
14, 16, 18 April 2015, 7.00pm – Britten Theatre, London
The première of Johann Christian Bach’s Adriano in Siria took place at the King’s Theatre, Haymarket on 26 January 1765, the eve of Mozart’s ninth birthday, and attracted such a large audience that scarcely a third of those assembled were able to get seats.
Cast:
Adriano, Roman Emperor Rowan Hellier (mezzo-soprano)
Osroa, King of the Parthians Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Emirena, daughter of Osroa, in love with Farnaspe Ellie Laugharne (soprano)
Farnaspe, a Syrian prince, in love with Emirena Erica Eloff (soprano)
Sabina, a Roman noblewoman, engaged to Adriano Filipa van Eck (soprano)
Aquilio, a Roman tribune, in love with Sabina Nick Pritchard (tenor)
Adriano’s attendant Daniel Swan
Sabina’s lady-in-waiting Lauren Okadigbo
Emirena’s lady-in-waiting Lotte Tickner
Soldiers, Parthians, puppeteers, scene changers Leiran Gibson, Victoria Haynes, Lauren Okadigbo, Sandro Piccirilli, Lotte Tickner