An evening of Mozart classics

Mozart, the illustrious Austrian composer and quintessential figure of the Viennese classical school, had his dazzling musical talent recognized from a young age. He left behind a profound legacy that includes concertos, operas and symphonies. To pay homage to this great maestro, Shenzhen Mozart Music Week, now in its ninth edition, seeks to introduce his music to the public and foster exchanges among musicians.

Andreas Weber

Caitlan Rinaldy

Conducted by Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) artistic director Lin Daye, the orchestra will perform the Mozart Week’s opening concert Friday, collaborating with such soloists as pianists Andreas Weber, Liu Liu, Caitlan Rinaldy, Li Jiayin, baritone Geng Lee and violinist Frank Stadler.

The program will include Mozart’s piano concertos Nos 5, 7 and 9, along with two arias from the operas “Così fan tutte,” and “Don Giovanni,” in addition to his “Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major” and “Symphony No. 41 in C Major.”

Through these seven extraordinary pieces spanning different genres, the audience will be taken on a journey to explore the world of a musical genius.

Frank Stadler

Liu Liu

The first part of the concert will feature three of Mozart’s piano concertos. His No. 5, in D major, with its vibrant and graceful melodies, best illustrates Mozart’s style and his zest for life. Professor Weber from the University Mozarteum, Salzburg will perform this piece that showcases the virtuosity and astounding talent of the young Mozart.

Then Liu, a young pianist and educator working with Renmin University, will present the “Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major,” a piece marking the maturation of Mozart’s prowess.

Composed in Salzburg in 1777, when the composer celebrated his 21st birthday, the ninth concerto represents a considerable expansion both in scale and ambition over his earlier concertos. It was written for a young French keyboard player, Jeunehomme, who visited Salzburg during the time of composing.

Geng Lee

Li Jiayin

Then, two young talents, Rinaldy and Li, will perform Mozart’s seventh piano concerto, nicknamed “Lodron” because it was commissioned by Countess Antonia Lodron to be played by her two daughters Aloysia and Giuseppa.

The second half will commence with Lee’s renditions of two Mozart arias. A graduate of the Hamburg University of Music and Theater, Lee has won several international competitions including the best young singer award in the 25th FLAME competition in Paris and the first prize in the Mahler Art Song Competition.

Lin Daye

This will be followed by the poignant and technically demanding “Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major,” performed by Stadler, concertmaster of the Mozarteum Orchestra, Salzburg. The final piece on the program will be “Symphony No. 41 in C Major.” Known for its good humor, exuberant energy, and unusually grand scale for a symphony of the Classical period, the piece has earned itself the nickname “Jupiter,” the chief god of the ancient Roman pantheon. Although at moments jovial, as if Jupiter himself were laughing heartily in the celebratory key of C major, the work generally carries a serious spirit — especially in the first and fourth movements — that hints at the grand Romantic symphonies, which were soon to arrive with Beethoven.

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 22

Tickets: 50-880 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D