Mozart and the Clarinet - SymCo

Metamorphosis is the delightful clarinet concerto that Mozart wrote for his friend Anton Stadler. Mozart was completely taken with the sweet sound of the clarinet and composed music for it right away, culminating in this concerto, the slow movement of which is famously used in the film Out of Africa. Na’ama Reuven is the ideal interpreter of this light-hearted and elegant music. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite is another gem that is frequently performed all over the world, also for children, due to its catchy and colourful short sections, such as the Arabian and Chinese Dance.

The most famous is the Flower Waltz, which SymCo also performed last year. From Sibelius, we hear Valse triste, another beloved piece. Notably, they combine this work with the Scene with the Cranes, which he composed simultaneously. This piece is for strings only, featuring its characteristic Finnish harmonies. Two clarinets suddenly emerge from the intoxicating sounds of the strings, symbolising the cranes. This piece is rarely performed but is very much worth it.

They will also perform an overture, this time from Verdi's opera La forza del destino. The force of fate is overwhelmingly expressed in this intense piece full of contrasts, from velvety softness to extreme brightness. A significant challenge for the orchestra! So, a varied programme, don't miss it!

• Clarinet concerto by Mozart
• Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky
• Valse triste by Sibelius
• Overture La Forza del Destino by Verdi.