Johannesburg International Mozart Festival kicks off

The Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra performed Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor in tribute to the composer.

The festival will run for two weeks until 8 February and comprises of various musical events suited for all ages and varied artistic interests.

Famed conductor and radio presenter Richard Cock, organiser of the festival whose company Richard Cock Music Enterprises is based in Parkhurst, reflected on the origins of the event,

“The first Mozart Festival was in 2006. We [initially] started with small events over a weekend for three years [and] we found that there was great interest in it,” he said.

Cock stated that with growing popularity, the event subsequently expanded its current two-week festival format from 2009 onwards.

Cock also clarified that the concerts and events during the festival were diverse, and that although Mozart remains the inspiration for the festival, not all the compositions are performed from various other composers. “We take an idea from Mozart, this year’s theme is masquerade.”

The festival features various international performers and is well attended locally.

Cock indicated that German concert pianist Florian Uhlrig, virtuoso flute player Sir James Galway and the festival’s composer in residence, Peter Klatzow, are among some the main attractions.

In addition to the collaboration with various foreign embassies during the two weeks, Cock highlighted there was also a strong emphasis on the educational component, with a puppet theatre show explaining the different genres of music to master classes for composers and vocalists.

Tickets for the events are still available and vary in prices, while the concert by the Orchestra from Scratch and the New Music Showcase and Workshop at the Goethe Institute are free of charge.

Details: Richard Cock Music Enterprises; 011 447 9264; www.join-mozart-festival.org