Mozart on Tour arrives in the Austrian town of Linz. We begin with Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s stunning contemporary work Illumine, which the composer describes as depicting the relationship between light and darkness, in particular “the ignition of the first beams of light and the subtle rhythms that appear through the pulsating dance of light emerging.”
Tchaikovsky described Mozart as a “sunny genius”, who profoundly moved the composer. He paid tribute to Mozart in Variations on a Rococo Theme and the NCO is delighted to welcome back our President, renowned cellist, Raphael Wallfisch, to perform Tchaikovsky’s original version, which marries the expressive and virtuosic power of the instrument.
We then explore another composer native to Linz, Anton Bruckner. The Adagio from his String Quintet, arranged here for string orchestra, is truly the emotional heart of the work. Our final piece is Mozart’s Symphony No.36, the ‘Linz’ Symphony. Remarkably, this piece was composed and performed within four days of Mozart’s arrival in the town.
Katie Stillman directs the orchestra. She has an extensive career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral principal. This season she takes on the role of Leader of Opera North’s Orchestra. She is Associate Leader of Manchester Camerata and has appeared as guest leader with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the RLPO among others.
