Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra explores the masterful works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Totally Mozart on Saturday, November 28 at 7:30pm at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place). Join the HPO for an adventure through the life and works of Mozart as they perform three distinct styles of the classical composer – an overture, a symphony and a concerto.
Tafelmusik Chamber Choir founder and Director Ivars Taurins conducts a program that includes Mozart’s Overture to Abduction from the Seraglio, an opera written in alla Turca style and inspired by the sounds of Turkish military bands. HPO musicians are highlighted in Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, featuring Concertmaster Stephen Sitarski and Principal Violist Chau Luk in a solo performance for Violin and Viola. The HPO rounds out the program with Mozart’s popular Symphony No. 40, possibly the most recognizable symphony in all of history.
Equally at home conducting symphonic and choral repertoire, Ivars Taurins is Founding Director of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, now in its 34th season. He was also founding member and principal violist of the Tafelmusik Orchestra for its first 23 years. Principal Baroque Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra from 2001-2011, Mr. Taurins also appears as a guest conductor with orchestras and choirs across Canada, including the Edmonton, Victoria, Kitchener-Waterloo and Winnipeg Symphonies, Calgary and Hamilton Philharmonics, Symphony Nova Scotia, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Thirteen Strings (Ottawa), Vancouver Chamber Choir, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Winnipeg Singers, and the Elora Festival Orchestra and Singers.
Award-winning violinist Stephen Sitarski was named Concertmaster of the HPO in 2012, having held the same position with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony for 15 seasons. Sitarski was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, a national honour that recognizes significant contributions and achievements by Canadians for his work in music education. As a soloist, he has performed with the Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Niagara, Kitchener-Waterloo, Esprit, Brantford, and Toronto symphony orchestra with his HPO solo premiere taking place in 2013.
Sitarski is joined by Chau Luk, Principal Viola of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra since 2004. In addition to appearing regularly with the HPO, Luk has performed with orchestras around the world including the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and also appears regularly with the Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra in Oshawa.
It’s easy to understand that Mozart is considered by many to be one of the greatest composers in history. Everyone loves Mozart, including HPO musicians. The HPO’s Principal Second Violin Bethany Bergman shares, “I simply love playing Mozart. All of these pieces show what Mozart does so well, humour within a deeper sadness. For me in every piece there is always a moment that sounds like an explosion of joy, following another moment of painful beauty.
Arrive early to catch Inside the Music: Pre-Concert Talk with Concertmaster Stephen Sitarski and Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte at 6:30pm.
A full list of repertoire for this concert can be found online at staginghpo.wpengine.com along with information about each of the pieces on the program. Totally Mozart showcases Mozart’s unique brand of genius and is an HPO performance you don’t want to miss.
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Ticket Information
Single tickets for Totally Mozart are $23 to $67 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and are available online at staginghpo.wpengine.com, by calling 905.526.7756 or in person at the HPO Box Office in FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) at 10 MacNab Street South or FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) Box Office the evening of the concert.
Special hpoGO tickets for the under 35 crowd are $17 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person. To receive special discounts and invitations to special events, under 35 patrons can sign up online at staginghpo.wpengine.com.
HPO at the Library
In partnership with the Hamilton Public Library, this FREE program features HPO musicians and guest artists in an intimate community setting. Join us to learn more about our upcoming Totally Mozart concert.
Friday, November 27, 1 to 1:30pm
Central Branch, Hamilton Public Library (55 York Blvd.)
Reserve your Table before the Concert
The Dinner and a Concert package offers guests a fabulous three course, prix-fixe dinner at one of Hamilton’s local restaurants, followed by an evening of great music with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Each restaurant is conveniently located within half a kilometre from FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) with public parking nearby. Call the HPO Box Office at 905.526.7756 to reserve your table.
Incognito Restaurant & Wine Bar – $65 The Hamilton Club – $85
93 John St. S. 6 Main St. E
-30-
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.