Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Mozartean Players is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1981 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The ensemble is based in New York City and has become known for its innovative and engaging performances of Mozart's music, as well as works by other classical composers. The founding members of the Mozartean Players were violinist Laura Seaton, violist John Graham, cellist Myron Lutzke, and harpsichordist Arthur Haas. All four musicians were accomplished performers with extensive experience playing in other ensembles and orchestras. They came together with the goal of exploring the music of Mozart in a more intimate and personal way than was possible in a larger orchestra. The ensemble's name is a nod to Mozart's own chamber music ensemble, the Mozarteum Quartet, which he founded in 1785. Like Mozart's group, the Mozartean Players specialize in performing chamber music, which is music written for small groups of instruments rather than a full orchestra. Over the years, the Mozartean Players have expanded their repertoire beyond Mozart to include works by other classical composers such as Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert. They have also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including John Harbison and Richard Wernick. One of the highlights of the Mozartean Players' career was their performance at the White House in 1982. The ensemble was invited to play for President Ronald Reagan and his guests at a state dinner honoring the Prime Minister of Canada. The performance was a great success and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble. Another notable performance by the Mozartean Players was their appearance at the Mostly Mozart Festival in 1991. The festival is an annual celebration of Mozart's music held at Lincoln Center in New York City. The Mozartean Players were featured in a concert that included Mozart's Piano Quartet in G minor and his String Quintet in C major. The performance was well-received by both critics and audiences and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading interpreters of Mozart's music. In addition to their performances, the Mozartean Players have also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1985, they were awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support their performances and recordings. They have also been featured on several recordings, including a series of CDs for the Lyrichord label. Today, the Mozartean Players continue to perform and record, with a core group of musicians that includes Laura Seaton, Myron Lutzke, and Arthur Haas. They have also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Overall, the Mozartean Players have had a significant impact on the world of classical music, both through their innovative performances of Mozart's music and their contributions to the chamber music repertoire more broadly. Their dedication to the art of chamber music has helped to keep this important tradition alive and thriving for future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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