Mozarteum Argentino the 2024 Season, consisting of seven performances at the Teatro Colón. We spoke with Gisela Timmermann, Artistic and Administrative Director of the institution since 1987, who provided us with details about this season featuring distinguished artists such as Joyce DiDonato and Janine Jansen.

The 72nd Season of the Argentine Mozarteum reflects the institution’s dedication to artistic excellence. From its opening on May 20th with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, to its closure on November 4th with the performance of Georg F. Händel’s oratorio “The Messiah” by the Gaechinger Cantorey and the Bach Academy Orchestra of Stuttgart, the season will welcome some of the most important names in the international scene. Gisela Timmermann previews the programming, reflects on the role of art in the country’s current context, and extends an invitation to explore the season subscriptions.

By Virginia Chacon Dorr

-What are the focal points of this season?

– The programming for this year is designed in line with one of the Mozarteum’s fundamental objectives throughout its history: to offer, through the season, encounters with chamber and orchestral music, integrating solo recitals, vocal and choral music, aiming for balance and presenting some of the most outstanding soloists and ensembles internationally.

In the chamber music realm, we will have trio works for flugelhorn, violin, and piano led by Sergei Nakariakov, who is now one of the great trumpet virtuosos, while Pieter Wispelwey, considered one of the most outstanding cello masters, will offer duet works with his historic partner Paolo Giacometti.

Regarding ensemble or orchestral music, we will have the visit of four internationally acclaimed groups: the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Il Pomo d’Oro, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, and the Bach Academy Orchestra of Stuttgart, who will offer programs spanning from the Baroque to contemporary times, including works from Vivaldi and Bach to Thomas Adès.

– All concerts maintain an outstanding level of quality. How would you describe each one?

– We are delighted to have in this season some of the most highly acclaimed soloists of today, such as the renowned operatic star Joyce DiDonato, the charismatic violinist Janine Jansen, the exceptionally talented young pianist Alexandra Dovgan making her Argentine debut, pianist Stefan Stroissnig, a specialist in Mozart, the eminent Pieter Wispelwey, who besides chamber works will perform the tour de force that is Zoltán Kodály’s Sonata for Solo Cello, and the brilliant Sergei Nakariakov, as previously mentioned. Concurrently, we will have the presence of three conductors who have garnered widespread recognition in recent years: Brazilian conductor Simone Menezes, who has been rapidly building a career in Europe, Bulgarian violinist and conductor Zefira Valova, specializing in Baroque repertoire and will also play a solo role alongside DiDonato, and Hans-Christoph Rademann, currently one of the most respected specialists in the works of J.S. Bach and Georg Friedrich Händel, who will lead the grand finale of the season directing the Choir and Orchestra of the Bachakademie Stuttgart in the performance of the oratorio “Messiah”.

The aim is always to provide Mozarteum’s audience with the opportunity to reconnect with those musicians who have previously stirred their emotions during past visits, while also offering the chance to discover new talents making their debut at the Teatro Colón, preceded by significant international successes.

-What reflection can you make about the importance of art in contemporary Argentina and, in particular, regarding the work carried out by Mozarteum?

– In these tumultuous times in which we find ourselves, we believe that artistic promotion remains fundamental. Therefore, we strive to maintain the high level that has characterized the institution for over seven decades. At the same time, Mozarteum continues to work diligently to promote Argentine musicians, both through its series of Free Noon Concerts, now in its 63rd season, and through concerts in branches across the country, as well as the much-needed scholarships for young Argentine musicians still in training.

– To conclude, could you share a few words inviting people to engage with Mozarteum and its valuable offerings?

– Anyone who purchases a subscription to the institution will not only enjoy an excellent concert season but will also contribute to all the other aforementioned activities that Mozarteum carries out in the country. It is worth noting, furthermore, that Mozarteum is the only private institution that continues to provide Argentine audiences with the opportunity to encounter the great names and ensembles of the international music scene, maintaining a connection that is absolutely essential between our musicians and our audience and the rest of the world. This commitment celebrates its 72nd anniversary this year.

Subscriptions and Season Tickets

The registration for new members will take place at the Teatro Colón (Libertad 621) on March 21st and 22nd, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. An exclusive pre-sale will be held for Santander Select clients on March 20th during the same hours.

For new members of Mozarteum Joven, whose subscription promotes access for those under 30 years old, registration will be held at the Teatro Colón (Libertad 621) on the same dates and times mentioned. For a cost of $35,000, they will have access to all seven season performances (personal processing and presentation of ID required).

Throughout the year 2024, the Mozarteum Argentino will continue to offer the Noon Concerts for free, as well as Concerts in Branches throughout the country. Additionally, it will continue to support young Argentine musicians through scholarship programs and provide opportunities for artistic creators at the Atelier of the Cité internationale des arts in Paris.

For more details about the 2024 Season of the Mozarteum Argentino, please refer to the official brochure available at the following link: Mozarteum Argentino 2024 Season Brochure