Program
Duration of the concert is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
Turina
Piano Trio No. 2 in B minor, Op. 76
Piazzolla
“Histoire du Tango for flute and guitar”
Boccherini
“Fandango” from Guitar Quintet No. 4 in D, G. 448
Brahms
Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34

Ask any Italian what gives them pride and pleasure, and music would almost certainly come up as the country has long been an important centre of classical music. From the glorious musical capital of the Renaissance, the Franco Abbiati prize-winning Mantua Chamber Orchestra performs a selection of the finest Italian music with international soloists, led by maestro Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli. Acclaimed cellist and Artistic Director Trey Lee presents Hong Kong’s violin prodigy Hannah Tam, joined by two celebrated singers, Sophie Klussmann and Mauro Borgioni, in their Hong Kong debut.

The program starts with Respighi’s third suite from Ancient Airs and Dances, paying homage to the grace and elegance of Italian Renaissance music. The Italian theme continues with arias from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and La clemenza di Tito, as opera originated in Italy. Rossini’s expressive instrumental work Une Larme (A Tear) makes a brilliant showcase for the cellist, while Vivaldi’s Double Concerto in F demonstrates the prolific composer’s virtuoso handling of concerto form. The extravaganza tops off with the rare gem of Boccherini’s Symphony No.4 in D minor, ending the 5th Musicus Fest on a high note.

Legendary maestro Vladimir Ashkenazy leads the Mantua Chamber Orchestra in masterpieces by Mozart and Haydn
Music transcends physical boundaries and lets our imagination roam free. It is a magical portal through which time travel is made possible. When Mozart penned the Adagio of his Clarinet Concerto in Vienna, it might never occur to him that one day it would become the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning movie Out of Africa, or be heard fifty-five thousands miles away in Hong Kong!

The grand opening concert of the 5th Musicus Fest celebrates the magnificent Austrian legacy of Haydn and Mozart. Artistic Director Trey Lee shares the stage with the venerated father and son team of Vladimir Ashkenazy and Dimitri Ashkenazy. The stellar trio is joined by the the Mantua Chamber Orchestra, winner of the prestigious Franco Abbiati prize. The curtain rises with Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera Overture, written by the then eighteen-year-old composer. Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D is a treasure of the cello repertoire. The second half showcases Mozart’s one and only Clarinet Concerto in A and the iconic Great G minor Symphony, which is arguably the most popular of all of Mozart’s symphonies.
Lead Partner : Credit Suisse
Title Sponsor : Breguet
Principal Sponsor : CITIC TELECOM CPC
Airline Partner : Cathay Pacific
Acknowledgement : Leisure and Cultural Service Department

The presenter reserves the right to change the program and substitute artists should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary. The content of this program does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Program
Duration of the concert is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
Mozart
“La Finta Giardiniera” Overture
Haydn
Cello Concerto No. 2 in D, Hob.VIIb:2
Mozart
Clarinet Concerto in A, K. 622
Mozart
Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 “The Great G minor Symphony”