Greatest Mozart 1, 1 May
Greatest Mozart 2, 3 May
Mozart Recomposed, 8 May

Even though Mozart was the headliner in these three concerts, there were quite a few ‘support acts’, though most were no less ‘great’ than the master. And in the third concert, Mozart was there by name only, except for a few quotes.

Neal Peres Da Costa in Greatest Mozart I at the Canberra International Music Festival. Photo © Peter Hislop

Opening the first ‘Greatest Mozart’ concert was Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D Major KV285. Here, Sally Walker, playing a gorgeously toned classical flute, was accompanied by Rachael Beesley on violin, Simon Oswell on viola and Daniel Yeadon on cello. Beesley is concertmaster of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, while the other three are section principals.

The entire performance was charming. The outer movements were well-paced, bright and clear, with the Adagio featuring beautifully measured pizzicati from the strings in support of the flute. Walker’s fast runs in the third movement were even and smooth, adding a delightful lightness.

Mozart wrote 41 symphonies. Or did he? It seems his Third Symphony is not actually his...