Echoing his concertante version of Così fan tutte, Christophe Rousset designed a concert programme dedicated to Mozart.

After having directed the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège several times, Christophe Rousset has become a familiar face after having previously directed several Mozartean programmes. Under his baton there is the baritone Leon Košavić, who has already graced us with this presence in the brilliant production of Nozze di Figaro in 2018, as well as the tenor Cyrille Dubois. With his frequent performances, Christophe Rousset is also a faithful regular at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège.

By playing the Paris and Haffner Symphonies, this concert will be placing the Orchestra in the spotlight. The former are not the most played among the works of Mozart, however the composer skilfully used balanced and melodic turns to create his usual brilliant sense of harmonisation.

As for the four movements chosen in the programme, they have rarely been played although given their quality, could have easily belonged to the best Mozart operas! « Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo », originally written for Così fan tutte, will be interpreted by Leon Košavić, who will also play Guglielmo, giving a perfect opportunity for this musical piece to be appreciated like an opera.

Program

Symphonie n°31 en ré majeur, K. 300a (Pariser Sinfonie)
• Allegro assai
• Andante
• Allegro

Air de concert, K. 420 • « Per pietà non ricercate » (tenor)

Air de concert, K. 584 • « Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo » (baritone)

Air de concert, K. 431 • « Misero o sogno… Aura che intorno spiri » (tenor)

Air de concert, K. 621a • « Io ti lascio o cara addio » (baritone)

Symphonie n°35 en ré majeur, K. 385, dite « Haffner-Sinfonie »
• Allegro con spirito
• Andante
• Menuetto – Trio
• Presto