The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to announce the launch of the Mozart Festival. New in the 2015-16 Season, the Mozart Festival gives Hamiltonians the opportunity to connect with the work of this great master in a number of engaging, participatory and intimate events throughout the city.

Watch a movie, play an instrument, enjoy a martini, attend a talk or experience a concert all within this fun and accessible festival. “With all its vitality and beauty, Mozart’s music resonates with many of us on a very human level,” says Music Director Gemma New. “This is an exciting new festival for Hamilton, where we aim to give both quality mainstage performances, as well as additional extramusical events.”

The Mozart Festival features the following events around the city and culminates in the mainstage concert, Totally Mozart, at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) featuring soloists Stephen Sitarski (violin) and Chau Luk (viola). The HPO is pleased to work with numerous community partners for the Mozart Festival include the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art, Baltimore House, Zoetic Theatre, St. Paul’s United Church and the Hamilton Public Library. Festival events include:

Thursday, November 12 at 7:30pm
Mozart Talk with Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Art Gallery of Burlington (1333 Lakeshore Blvd., Burlington)
This free talk with Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte explore the life and composition style of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, accompanied by musical demonstrations on the piano.

Tuesday, November 17 at 5:30pm
Happy Hour with the HPO: Mozart and Martinis
Baltimore House (43 King William St.)
Designed for the hpoGO crowd, guests enjoy fabulous Mozart-inspired drinks and the HPO String Quartet in this intimate and unique event.

Friday, November 13 at 7:30pm
HPO Movie Night: Amadeus
The Zoetic Theatre (526 Concession St.)
Enjoy a pre-film feature that includes a live demonstration of Mozart’s music before watching this Oscar award winning film on Mozart’s life.

Sunday, November 22 at 3pm
Mozart Community Recital
St. Paul’s United Church (29 Park St. W., Dundas)
Calling all amateur musicians! Dust off that instrument and join us for an afternoon to celebrate music-making. Amateur musicians of all ages and levels are invited to perform a Mozart or Mozart-inspired work for a welcoming audience of friends and colleagues. Enjoy a mini-performance by HPO Associate Concertmaster Lance Ouellette at the end of the recital, followed by tea and cookies.

Tuesday, November 24 at 8pm
Mozart Lecture
David Braley Health Science Centre (100 Main St. W.)
Mozart scholar Dr. David Bowser explores the era and social implications of Mozart’s life and how they impacted his music. HPO Concertmaster Stephen Sitarski provides demonstrations on the violin. This free lecture is presented in partnership with the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art (HAALSA).

Friday, November 27 at 1pm
Lunch and Learn at the Library
Hamilton Public Library (55 York Blvd)
Learn about the masterful work of Mozart in this casual and interactive chat and demonstration with HPO Concertmaster Stephen Sitarski. All HPO Lunch and Learn events are free.

Saturday, November 28 at 7:30pm
Mainstage Concert: Totally Mozart
FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) (1 Summers Lane)
It’s Mozart mania in this all-Mozart program of classics by the great master. Enjoy three distinct styles of this ubiquitous classical composer—an overture, a symphony and a concert—each one exuding Mozart’s unique brand of genius.

Ticket Information
To purchase tickets to select events or RSVP for free events, visit staginghpo.wpengine.com or call 905-526-7756.

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Media Contact:
Diana Weir, Director of Communications and Development | Tel: 905.526.1677 x230 | Email: dweir@hpo.org

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.