MCO & Mitsuko Uchida: USA

25 March 2025

Athens

Tuesday 19:30 / Hodgson Concert Hall

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Presented by: UGA Presents

PROGRAMME
  • W. A. MOZART  Piano Concerto No.18 K.456 
  • L. JANÁČEK Mládí 
  • W. A. MOZART Piano Concerto No.21 K.467 

  • Mitsuko Uchida piano & director
  • José Maria Blumenschein concertmaster & leader
ABOUT THIS CONCERT

Our tour with Artistic Partner Mitsuko Uchida brings us to the USA for the fifth time. For this edition, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 18 and No. 21 frame Leoš Janáček's wind sextet, Mládí (Youth).

Often overshadowed by his more famous B-flat concerto (Piano Concerto No. 27), No. 18 leans towards the entertaining rather than the profoundly expressive, offering glimpses of the deeper poignance that would characterize Mozart's later works. Uchida’s interpretation brings out the concerto’s intricate elegance, highlighting its playful yet sophisticated nature.

Janáček's Mládí adds contrast to the program. Composed during a reflective period in Janáček’s life, this wind sextet is a recollection of his youth, infused with astute humor and classical form. Written during a stay in his birthplace of Hukvaldy, Janáček uses fresh expressions and a quote from his earlier work, March of the Blue Boys, to evoke the spirit of his younger days. The addition of a bass clarinet to the traditional wind quintet lends the piece a unique, rich texture.

The concert concludes with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, K. 467, a work of depth and beauty. Known for its large melodic leaps and underlying restlessness, this concerto’s middle movement is particularly renowned for its expressive poignancy.

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CONCERTS THIS TOUR

23 March 2025 Berkeley

Sunday 15:00pm / Zellerbach Hall

W. A. MOZART / L. JANÁČEK 

Mitsuko Uchida piano & director / José Maria Blumenschein concertmaster & leader

27 March 2025 Princeton

Thursday 19:30pm / Richardson Auditorium

W. A. MOZART / L. JANÁČEK 

Mitsuko Uchida piano & director / José Maria Blumenschein concertmaster & leader

29 March 2025 New York

Saturday 20:00pm / Carnegie Hall

W. A. MOZART / L. JANÁČEK 

Mitsuko Uchida piano & director / José Maria Blumenschein concertmaster & leader