XU ZHONG CONDUCTS MOZART:

SUZHOU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

2026.01.17（SAT）19 : 30

Jinji Lake Concert Hall SCAC

Conductor         XU Zhong

Oboe                   Diego Rodrigo Calvo

Clarinet              Matteo Tartaglia

Bassoon             ZHAO Sihong

Horn                    WANG Shuyi

MOZART 

Overture from Die Zauberflöte

Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, K. 297b

Symphony No. 31 in D Major “Paris” , K. 297

Symphony No. 38 in D Major “Prague”, K. 504 

NOTICE TO AUDIENCE

1. DURATION Approximately 97 minutes with a 15-min intermission. 

2. SUGGESTED AGE 8 and above. 

3. Minimum height for children :1.3m. 

Tonight's concert invites us to immerse ourselves in the impeccable musical world of Mozart. We will experience the dramatic tension of his operatic overture, the exquisite dialogue of his symphonic concerto, and the tremendous power of his signature symphonies. Together, they made up a monument to the ultimate perfection of the Viennese Classical school. The program opens with Overture after a very slow opening, it features a lively and masterfully performed fugal part with intertwining contrapuntal lines that exhibit incredible vibrant energy. This brilliant structural design perfectly foreshadows piece's central themes: the eternal struggle between light and darkness, the ultimate triumph of wisdom over foolishness, and the profound concepts of enlightenment and redemption. Following this is Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major. This composition represents the “symphonic concerto” genre by skillfully combining concerto's virtuosity with the symphonic majesty and cohesion. Mozart carefully crafts passages that allow each solo instrument to showcase its own brilliance and lyrical charm while also integrating them into a seamless conversation with the ensemble. This piece's intelligence and warmth has made it like a chamber music, it is one of the pieces that represents the peak of musical dialogue. The concert's second half begins with Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 in D Major, “Paris”. Its powerful and rich orchestration, which is notable for Mozart’s first use of the clarinet in his symphonies, was composed to fulfill the need of Parisian audiences for spectacular sonorities. The entire work’s remarkable vitality and cheerful spirit is filled with strong dramatic contrasts in between movements. The incredibly powerful finale vividly displays young Mozart’s ambition and exceptional talent to conquer the Parisian musical scene, marking a significant milestone in his symphonic journey. Lastly, we have Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 in D Major, “Prague”, which reveals a more sophisticated and comprehensive symphonic conception. Innovatively omitting the classical minuet structure, it only has three movements. A deep and weighty slow introduction establishes a solemn foundation. The following fast section is a masterwork of motivic development and contrapuntal technique. It fuses complex emotions with surging energy. The Andante movement flows like a heartfelt aria, featuring beautiful, moving melodies. The Finale brings the symphony to a magnificent and pleasing conclusion with its dazzling skills, irresistible rhythmic drive, and gigantic magnificence.