Moscow Virtuosi State Chamber Orchestra. “The Universe of Mozart”

On July 7, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory hosted a concert by one of Russia’s most renowned ensembles — the Moscow Virtuosi State Chamber Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Vladimir Spivakov.

The legendary orchestra presented The Universe of Mozart, a programme devoted to masterpieces by the great Austrian classical composer.

In the exceptional performance of one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, the audience heard Symphonies No. 1 and No. 40, the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola with Orchestra, and Piano Concerto No. 23.

The evening’s soloists were prize-winners of prestigious international competitions: Anna Tsybuleva (piano), Evgeny Stembolskiy (violin), and Vasily Danilets (viola).

Mozart’s genius, brought to life by these outstanding musicians, promised audiences an atmosphere of carefree summer and sun-filled joy. The concert was conducted by Arsentiy Tkachenko, conductor of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia.

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, composed in an exceptionally short period of time, has become one of the composer’s most frequently performed works. Distinguished by its exquisite lyricism, masterful handling of form, and perfectly balanced structure, the concerto reveals Mozart’s genius, musical inventiveness, and emotional depth.

The Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola with Orchestra is another outstanding work that transformed perceptions of the role the viola could play as a solo instrument — one of Mozart’s own favorite instruments.

The programme also featured the composer’s celebrated symphonies. Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major when he was just eight years old, while Symphony No. 40 in G minor represents one of the supreme achievements of his mature creative period.

“Mozart is the youth of music, an eternally young spring that brings humanity the joy of renewal and spiritual harmony,” Dmitri Shostakovich once said.