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Details
Smith Square Hall
Smith Square
City of Westminster
London
SW1P 3HA
England
Tickets
Prices: £15-£30
Booking line: 020 7730 4500
Book Tickets
Programme
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – The Magic Flute: Overture
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Sinfonia concertante in E-flat major, K.364/320d
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphony no.41 in C major 'Jupiter', K.551
Performers
Rimma Sushanskaya – Conductor
Aki Blendis – violin
Jaren Ziegler – viola
Programme Note
Join us for the fourth concert of our 2025 season: Mozart – The Late, Great Symphonies.
Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture sets the stage for one of opera’s most enchanting masterpieces, blending mystery, grandeur, and playfulness. Opening with solemn, majestic chords that evoke the opera’s Masonic themes, the music soon bursts into a lively, spirited allegro. This brilliant contrast reflects the opera’s fusion of fantasy and enlightenment, capturing its sense of adventure and wonder. Composed in 1791, shortly before Mozart’s death, the overture remains a thrilling concert piece—bold, radiant, and unmistakably Mozart.
Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola is a deeply expressive and radiant work, showcasing his unparalleled gift for melodic beauty and balance. Written during his time in Salzburg, this masterpiece highlights the unique interplay between the violin and viola, blending virtuosic brilliance with heartfelt lyricism. From the noble and expansive opening to the profoundly expressive Andante and the spirited, dance-like finale, Mozart crafts an engaging dialogue between the soloists, making this piece a captivating highlight of the evening.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Jupiter, is a majestic and triumphant masterpiece, his final and most grand symphony. Bursting with brilliance and complexity, it showcases Mozart’s mastery, from the noble opening to the exhilarating, fugal finale. This symphony stands as a testament to his genius, blending grandeur, sophistication, and an almost divine sense of perfection.
Aki Blendis began learning the violin at the age of four with Elisabeth Waterhouse. He studied with Felicity Lipman for six years and now continues his musical development under Ivo Stankov at the Junior Guildhall. A dedicated and versatile musician, he is a member of the National Youth Orchestra and an avid chamber musician, regularly attending chamber music courses. Beyond music, Aki is a passionate sportsman, playing football for both his school and a local club, while also representing his school and borough in athletics.
Jaren Ziegler won the BBC Young Musician Strings Final in 2022 at age 16, becoming the first violist in the competition’s history to do so. He has since performed Walton’s Viola Concerto with the BBC Philharmonic and appeared as a soloist with the London Mozart Players, Northern Chamber Orchestra, and others. A member of LGT Young Soloists, he has played at Wigmore Hall, Musikverein, and Philharmonie Luxembourg. Jaren studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Hélène Clément and has worked with artists including Elena Urioste and the Heath Quartet. He plays a Stefano Scarampella viola, kindly loaned by Beare’s International Violin Society.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening in the intimate setting of Sinfonia Smith Square, where every seat in the stalls offers a perfect view. Previous concerts have sold out quickly—secure your tickets today!
We are delighted to offer Classical Events visitors a 30% discount. Simply use the promo code Magic30 when purchasing tickets on the concert hall website.
Explore the full lineup of our 2025 concert season here: https://sites.google.com/view/nso-concerts
Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in Mozart’s timeless brilliance!
Note: This venue is now called Sinfonia Smith Square, formerly known as St John’s Smith Square.
