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.