About the Performance

The Mozart Clarinet Concerto has been central to my musical life ever since I squeaked through its opening passage over 60 years ago. Often called Mozart's greatest concerto, the famous Adagio movement has been used in films including "Out of Africa" and was voted Canada's favourite Mozart moment in a survey conducted by the CBC a few years ago. This chamber music version for clarinet and string quartet allows us to explore the intimate side of this marvellous work, something I have long wanted to do.

Allan Gilliland wrote "Blues, Sweet Blues" as a gift to the Festival and to celebrate my 40th anniversary as Artistic Director. His musical and personal friendship has been constant since we met twenty years ago. He has composed numerous works for me, which I have enjoyed playing worldwide, including two performances of his "Dreaming of the Masters" in Boston's Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops. Some of you may remember the fun we had performing it in last summer's closing concert with the National Academy Orchestra. 

New Zealand String Quartette

Martin Staub, piano

Angela Golubeva, violin

Paul Marleyn, cello

James Campbell Clarinet