Vicente Alberola, Giuliano Mazzoccante and Giuseppe Russo Rossi on the stage of Teatro Marrucino
A festival dedicated exclusively to the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mozart Evenings, led by President Konstantin Ishkhanov and Artistic Director Giuliano Mazzoccante, pays tribute to the long-standing legacy of Settimana Mozartiana.
Held in the charming city of Chieti, the musical affair’s second iteration takes place from 25 May to 4 June 2025, presenting five world-class concerts by a host of talented musicians from around the globe, along with the talented Apulian Youth Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphonic Orchestra of Uzbekistan.
Vicente Alberola, Giuliano Mazzoccante and Giuseppe Russo Rossi on the stage of Teatro Marrucino
»The 2025 iteration of Mozart Evenings presents a remarkable opportunity for music lovers to immerse themselves in the melodic world of Mozart and experience the enduring power of classical music, which transcends generations, borders, and cultural traditions, » said Giuliano Mazzoccante. »We are truly honoured to bring this grand festivity for the second time to Chieti, a charming city that echoes with history, culture and breathtaking beauty, offering a deeply immersive experience for locals and international audiences to enjoy. »
On 25 May, as expected and highly anticipated, the first official day of the Mozart Evenings festival made a grand debut with a dazzling performance at one of Chieti’s oldest and most iconic theatres, Teatro Marrucino, setting an elevated tone for the rest of the week. A cornerstone for events and shows shaping the cultural history of the entire region, the venue is renowned for its awe-inspiring structure and breathtaking interiors, serving as the perfect backdrop for a musical affair steeped in history.
Giuliano Mazzoccante, Artistic Director of Mozart Evenings Festival
The concert began with a lineup of soloists featuring none other than maestros Vicente Alberola (Spain), a virtuoso who has served as the guest principal clarinet for celebrated orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, among many others; Giuseppe Russo Rossi (Italy), renowned as one of the most gifted violists of his generation with a string of accolades under his belt including wins at the Vittorio Veneto, Palmi, Castrocaro-Best Graduates of Italy, and Società Umanitaria competitions in Milan, etc; and Giuliano Mazzoccante (Italy), a master pianist who has won more than 50 national and international competitions, including ‘M. Clementi’ in Florence, ‘Agorà 80’ in Rome, ‘F. Liszt’ in Lucca, and ‘Città di Stresa’.
»Mozart is my favourite composer, and I’m always very happy to play his music, » expressed Vicente Alberola. »Previously, I have performed almost 70 times with the Mozart Concerto Clarinet. Every time I play Mozart, it feels like a surprise because there are so many different elements, colours, and emotions involved. Many musicians say playing his music is very difficult, but for me, it’s an honour, and I always enjoy the experience. »
He continued, »I have to say, the organisation of the festival is amazing. They take great care of me, especially since it’s my first time in the Abruzzo region. Giuliano Mazzoccante is a fantastic Artistic Director, and I also want to thank Konstantin Ishkhanov, the President of Mozart Evenings, for inviting me to participate in this brilliant initiative. »
Giuseppe Russo Rossi added, »I feel so comfortable here as the hospitality is great. The atmosphere is inviting, and the main highlight of this experience is definitely the people. Everyone around me is incredibly nice and doing their best to ensure I feel at ease. I believe this operation is well-organised, emphasising the beauty of the city and the theatre, as well as providing the opportunity for musicians to meet new people. Additionally, the atmosphere is quite attractive at Teatro Marrucino and in the city of Chieti; it’s like a little bonbonniere, a charming carousel. It’s very ancient, elegant and historical. Playing here is a beautiful experience. »
These illustrious musicians performed an array of classical pieces, paying homage to the life and timeless works of Mozart through a thoughtfully curated programme merging classical favourites with dynamic transcriptions and expressive Romantic works. These included Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Trio “Kegelstatt” in E-flat Major, K. 498, an elegantly conducted piece that acts as a cornerstone of chamber music and Divertimento 1, Max Bruch’s romantic and expressive « Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano » as well as Giuseppe Russo Rossi/Gioachino Rossini’s dramatic “Nacqui all’affanno – Non più mesta”.
The inaugural concert was a resounding success, attracting a full house of eager concertgoers from Abruzzo keen to experience the magic of Mozart against the stunning background of Chieti, along with local and international media present to cover the event. With audiences cheering and revelling in the beauty of classical music throughout the enchanting evening, we can only imagine the reception the rest of the concertos will receive.
From left to right: Konstantin Ishkhanov, The President of Mozart Evenings Festival, Vicente Alberola, Giuseppe Russo Rossi and Giuliano Mazzoccante
»What a delightful debut day! As the organisers of the festival, we are proud to honour the brilliance of Mozart and to support the traditions to celebrate Mozart’s craft in Abruzzo through a series of inspiring concerts, taking listeners on an immersive musical journey into the past, » declared Konstantin Ishkhanov.
The festival resumes on 1 June with a breathtaking concert featuring the AYSO orchestra, violinist Davide Alogna (Italy) and conductor Teresa Satalino (Italy) performing works such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, as well as Symphony No. 29. On 2 June, the magic continues with a musical evening showcasing the talents of the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan alongside two gifted pianists: Arsenii Moon (France) and Julia Zilberquit (USA) under the baton of renowned musician Gianluca Marcianò (Italy), presenting pieces like Concerto in A minor No. 23, K. 488. On 3 June, the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan returns with conductor Alibek Kabdurakhmanov (Uzbekistan) and soloists Anna Tifu (Italy) and Tommaso Benciolini (Italy), before closing the festival on 4 June with performances by pianist Cyprien Katsaris (Greece) and violinist Karen Shahgaldyan (Armenia) under the baton of Luis Andrade (Portugal), featuring iconic compositions such as Piano Concerto K. 467 and Violin Concerto No.4 in D Major, K.218.
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