The eighth 'Midsummer Mozartiade' will take place from 17 to 23 June at the Théâtre Royal des Galeries, featuring Mozart's opera 'Mitridate, re di Ponto' as the festival centrepiece, Belga News Agency reports.
This year's event, catering to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike, continues its commitment to making opera – a popular art form at its inception – accessible to everyone while also serving as a springboard for emerging talents, according to event organisers Amadeus & Co.
The festival honours Mozart's first opera seria, 'Mitridate, re di Ponto'. Written when he was just 14 years old, the Austrian composer's early masterpiece was met with resounding success at its premiere in Milan in 1770.
Rehearsals for 'Mitridate, re di Ponto'. Credit: Hugo Segers / Amadeus & Co asbl
"The precocious masterpiece musically portrays a powerful and moving family drama against a backdrop of geopolitical conflict in an area now known as Crimea," the organisers explained.
The new production is being directed by Eric Gobin and conducted by Thibaut Lenaerts, at the helm of the Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia.
Mozart Requiem performed by Thibaut Lenaerts and his colleagues from the Namur Chamber Choir and the Millenium Orchestra in June 2023. Credit: Gabriel Hollander / Amadeus & Co asbl
Another highlight of the festival will be the 'Missa Brevis' concert, a project led by emerging conductor Gabriel Hollander. The programme features short masses by Mozart, Haydn, and Belgian composer Fabian Fiorini for a contemporary touch.
To be as inclusive as possible and attract a wider audience, the festival will also offer a variety of free events in iconic city centre locations. There will be serenades in the Galerie du Roi, lectures at the Maison CFC, and a Handel concert at the Notre-Dame du Finistère church on the Rue Neuve shopping street.
For more information, see here.
