RICHARDSON, Texas (Feb. 7, 2006) — In honor of the 250th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birth, The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO), will honor the illustrious composer with A Mozart Celebration at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 in UTD’s Conference Center Auditorium.

During his short life, Mozart created more than 600 works, each of which reflects his distinct artistic genius.  A chamber orchestra from the RSO consisting of 22 members and conducted by Anshel Brusilow will perform Sinfonia Concertante for winds (K297b), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for strings (K525) and Symphony No. 29 (K201).

Composer Franz Josef Haydn once told Leopold Mozart that his son was “the greatest composer known to me either in person or by name.  He has taste and, what is more, the most profound knowledge of composition.”

The Sinfonia Concertante, which readily allows for certain instruments to play solo, was a popular form in France at the time Mozart lived in Paris.  Consequently, he composed an assortment of works in this style for a variety of different instrumental combinations.  His Sinfonia Concertante for winds, while lesser known than that for strings, is considered a masterpiece.

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music) was composed in 1787 and endures as one of Mozart’s most beloved serenades.  Unfortunately, only four of the original five movements are known.
 
Written in 1774 while he was in Salzburg, Germany, Symphony No. 29 is one of Mozart’s best-known early pieces.  The symphony features many stylistic elements that would characterize much of the composer’s later works. 

The concert is sponsored by the family of Dr. William Munal Hensley.

Additional information about the production can be found at http://ah.utdallas.edu/season0506/mozart.htm.

Tickets for the show are $15 for general admission and free to UTD students with a valid identification.  UTD ticket office hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday and at the door one hour prior to show time.  To purchase tickets using Visa, MasterCard or Discover, please call 972-883-2552. 

For information about the many musical, arts, theatre, dance and other performances and exhibitions held throughout the year at UTD, please call 972-UTD-ARTS (972-883-2787), e-mail utdarts@utdallas.edu, or visit the School of Arts and Humanities’ Web site at http://ah.utdallas.edu/.  Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations may call 972-883-2982, Texas Relay Operator: 1-800-RELAYVV.

About the Richardson Symphony Orchestra

The RSO is a community–based, regional orchestra serving Richardson, North Dallas and the surrounding area.  Maestro Anshel Brusilow, praised by the Texas Commission on the Arts as “world class,” has been the RSO’s music director/conductor since 1992.  Each year, the orchestra offers a series of classical and pops concerts as well as outdoor concerts (including its popular Sounds of Freedom program featuring patriotic music), other special performances and educational outreach programs.  The RSO is dedicated to bringing people together through its concerts and its support and promotion of classical music and the arts.  For further information, call 972-234-4195.

About UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls nearly 14,500 students.  The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores.  The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.  For additional information about UTD, please visit the university’s Web site at www.utdallas.edu.