Classical Music Agenda
This week it all really begins. On January 27, 1756 -- 250 years ago this Friday -- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. Chances are that, even for those who do not listen regularly to classical music, you know Mozart's name and could probably hum along with one or more of his pieces. He composed some of the most widely recognized classical music in history. It hardly even seems necessary to observe this bisesquicentennial anniversary, but don't you worry, because everyone will observe it. Probably until we are sick of it.
OPERA AT THE SYMPHONY:
>> We recommend that you celebrate, as we will, with the semi-staged performance of Mozart's opera The Abduction from the Seraglio, with the National Symphony Orchestra. Performances are scheduled in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Thursday through Saturday (January 26, 7 p.m.; January 27 and 28, 8 p.m.), with Leonard Slatkin at the podium. If you took our advice two weeks ago, you heard a rather extraordinary concert performance of Wagner's opera Die Walküre, which we reviewed for you. Don't miss another chance to hear opera at the symphony, and make your Mozart memorial observance at the same time. Tickets: $20 to $79.
>> Mozart was Austrian by birth, and naturally the Embassy of Austria here in Washington (3524 International Court NW) is going to celebrate the birthday of their favorite son, with concerts by Austrian performers. On Thursday (January 26, 8 p.m.), mezzo-soprano Elisabeth von Magnus and pianist Markus Vorzellner will give a recital of Lieder by Mozart, Haydn, and Salieri. Then, on Friday and Saturday (January 27 and 28, 8 p.m.), a young Austrian string quartet, the Minetti Quartett will play a program of quartets by Mozart and Schubert. Tickets for any of these concerts: $45.
ALSO WORTH MENTIONING:
>> Soprano Kelly Smith is a singer who has appeared recently with Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia. She will give a recital of music by Mozart, Massenet, and others on Saturday (January 28, 7:30 p.m.) at the Lyceum in Alexandria (201 S. Washington St.). This is a chance to hear a young singer who is possibly on the cusp of an operatic career. Tickets: $25.
>> The same Saturday evening (January 28, 8 p.m.) there is a special event, the Scott Reiss Memorial Concert/Hesperus Benefit at St. Columba's Episcopal Church (4201 Albemarle St. NW). Scott Reiss was a spectacular recorder player based here in Washington for years. Last month, after a lifetime of suffering with manic-depressive disorder, Scott took his own life. His wife, Tina Chancey, and other musicians who often played with Scott will join forces to celebrate Scott's life and raise money for the group he founded, Hesperus. It's a good cause.
>> On Sunday, there are two free concerts, beginning with a recital by prize-winning pianist Sara Danashpour (January 29, 5 p.m.), a teenager from Iran, at the Phillips Collection. Later that evening (January 29, 6:30 p.m.), the Paratore Brothers Piano Duo will play music by Strauss, Ravel, and Tchaikovsky at the National Gallery of Art.
>> For more concerts, see our Classical Week in Washington at Ionarts.