Mozart In Manchester at The Stoller Hall

Off to the lovely Stoller Hall to see the fabulous Manchester Camerata, this time a programme of Mozart as part of the Mozart, Made in Manchester series, conducted by their Music Director Gábor Takács-Nagy and featuring Jean-Efflam Bavouzet on piano. This performance also featured students from Chetham’s School of Music and Camerata 360° Ruth Sutton Fellows ( specifically designed for Northern based musicians, aiming to retain talent within the region )

The Stoller Hall is a great venue, light, spacious and airy. Wonderful acoustics in the concert hall and very comfortable for concert goers. We had a good view of the orchestra from the balcony this time, but the hall is skilfully designed so the whole audience has a good experience.

Welcoming Front of House and hospitality staff as always at this lovely place.

Adding to the atmosphere, we had the conductor explain a little of the programme initially, he is a lively and incredibly engaging character, who always talks with passion about the music to be performed and is as much a part of the whole experience as the orchestra, fascinating to watch him at work and how he engages with them. He seems to live through and respond to every note.

 We were amazed to learn that the first half consisted of works that Mozart wrote from the age of 10 up to teenage years!

This consisted of Interludes from Thamos, King of Egypt ( a play which Mozart wrote incidental music for ), Piano Concerto No 1 D major and Mitridate, King of Pontus overture, an opera written when Mozart was 14!

Three very different pieces, absolutely delightful to hear how the story is told by the changes in music in the operatic pieces, and what a treat to see and hear Jean-Efflam Bavouzet play the stunning piano concerto, another engaging performer who is a pleasure to watch, the pianist and conductor work wonderfully together and the audience were so appreciative. We smiled throughout all of it and time flew by.

The second half consisted of 4 more pieces, which had a much lighter and playful, almost mischievous tone. Ascanio in Alba Overture, Piano Concerto no 2 G major, Lo sposo deluso Overture, and Piano Concerto no 3 E flat major. We were rapt for the whole performance, it was a delight from start to finish.

The acoustics in the concert hall are so crisp you can hear each instrument clearly and Manchester Camerata are always a wonderful orchestra to see perform, the relationship they have with Gábor Takács-Nagy is very special indeed and his lively interaction with Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is also heartwarming, truly masters of their craft. What a privilege to see them all perform together. Very special indeed.

Manchester Camerata have their next event on June 8th at the Stoller, Storytime, a matinee aimed at families and concertgoers new to classical music and another on June 20th which is an original piece by Gemma Bass, a violinist in Camerata, exploring improvisation in music.

Manchester Camerata are a charity and do wonderful work with the community and for dementia care.

REllul@manchestercamerata.com or  manchestercamerata.co.uk/support-us

Lots of information always available at every performance too, please do consider supporting them.

Thank you so much as always to Manchester Camerata and The Stoller Hall.

Christine Ince for Canal St Media

Image Robin Clewley

Published: 22-May-2024 (7491)