The Concerto
Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C Major has been a standard and beloved part of the solo oboe repertoire since its re-discovery in 1920. The Flute Concerto in D Major has been part of the solo flute repertoire since 1778 when Mozart transcribed it nearly exactly from the oboe concerto. Oboists and flutists have both claimed this concerto as their own, and still disagree as to whose edition is better, and whose instrument Mozart would have preferred to play the concerto!
The Performance
What better day to hold a Mozart concerto competition than on Mozart's birthday? Our opening performance will be on Friday, January 27th, 2017 at the Merit School of Music in Gottlieb Hall at 7:00pm. Happy birthday, Mozart!
Audience reactions are encouraged. While determining who played it best, Alli and James will perform extra solos, improvisations, cadenzas, and other musical examples to illustrate their best musical qualities. The audience will decide which instrument played it better. Can we all work together?
Maybe, just maybe, this CAN be the best Mozart concerto ever. The concerto for flute AND oboe: The Concerto for Frenemies.
Why we need funding
This project is a BIG idea which in turn needs funding. Here is what your contribution will go toward:
- Venue - We will be performing at the best facilities in Chicago. If this raises enough interest, we will perform at additional venues.
- Performers - Our performers need to get paid for what they do. They are professional musicians and playwright who are writing an original script AND re-writing Mozart’s music!
- Costumes - Clothes are expensive now, but they were REALLY extravagant back in the 18th century. We want to look nice for the production!
- Recording - We will be creating an audio and video recording of this project.
- Programs - Our audience members deserve to have a nice program in their hands.
A Unique Difference
This project is adventurous and unlike any other performance of this music. We are combining elements of classical music, theater, and comedy to provide a new, less formal concert experience. To do this successfully, we have put together an all-star team of classical musicians and a seasoned playwright to collaborate and combine these elements into a single polished performance. It will be both impressive and hilarious.
Our Team
Our two soloists James Brinkmann (flute) and Alli Gessner (oboe) are great friends, except when it comes to this concerto. To solve their disagreement, they are bringing the competition to an audience who will determine the outcome. Instead of performing another serious and formal classical concert, we have added comedy, dialogue, and period costumes! Christopher Narloch (piano) not only accompanies the soloists, but also tries to keep them in line and make the two pieces work together as one.
What’s in it for You?
Check out the exciting perks we’re offering for our donors. Rewards include a live-stream of the performance so non-Chicagoans can attend, on-stage VIP box seats at the performance, and much more.
Other Ways to Help
Please share our campaign page with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter, text, e-mail, and word of mouth!