The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle – Mozart and His Contemporaries

Renowned for its artistic excellence, remarkable versatility of musical styles, and adventurous programming, The COT is a dynamic orchestral ensemble of 40+ musicians hailing from all parts of North Carolina. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Lorenzo Muti, The COT presents six concerts a year, often featuring classical music’s foremost up and coming talents. Today it is considered one of the finest professional ensembles in North Carolina and the Southeast.

A. Cartellieri – Symphony No.1 in C major
I. Pleyel – Symphony in C major
W.A. Mozart – Violin Concerto No.4
P. Wranitzky – Symphony in D major

This performance will be preceded by a pre-concert presentation sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council at 1pm in The Carolina Theatre Ballroom.

While there was no one who could compare to Mozart in terms of skill and style, several now long forgotten composers were able to enjoy a fair bit of popularity during the genius’ lifetime. Of Italian and Latvian descent, Antonio Cartellieri was court composer to a Polish count, and would take part in the premiers of various works by his dear friend Beethoven.

Composing 41 symphonies, 70 string quartets and several operas, the French composer Ignaz Pleyel would go on to make a name for himself as one of the world’s premier piano builders.

Also quite prolific was Paul Wranitzky. Originally from Moravia in the Czech Republic, he would eventually move to Vienna and hold conducting posts at both royal theatres. In fact, Haydn and Beethoven preferred him to conduct their new works and his opera Oberon, The Fairy King would go on to partially inspire Mozart’s Magic Flute.

Featured Soloist – Randall Goosby, violin

Having recently won First Prize at the ‘18 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, Randall Goosby is preparing to make his debuts at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Commenting on his performance with the New York Philharmonic at only age 13, The New York Times raved that “his performance won him a deserved standing ovation for its sheer virtuosity.”