Courtesies and Comedy: Mozart and Bologne
About This Event
At David Geffen Hall, Courtesies and Comedy pairs music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with works by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint‑Georges, featuring clarinetist Anthony McGill with conductor Jeannette Sorrell and collaborators Dorothy James and Doug Fitch. The program leans on Sorrell’s period-informed clarity and McGill’s ensemble-focused tone, highlighting repertoire built on clean lines and rhythmic drive rather than ornamental display.
About the Artists
Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Chevalier de Saint-Georges, also known as Joseph Bologne, was a French violinist-composer and conductor who moved between the concert stage and military life, and was also known in his time as a fencer and dancer.
Jeannette Sorrell
Jeannette Sorrell is an American conductor and the founder of the period-instrument ensemble Apollo's Fire, known for her interpretations of Baroque and Classical music.
Anthony McGill
Anthony McGill is a clarinetist known in New York for his work as principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, following a long tenure in the same role with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He appears at David Geffen Hall in programs such as Sorrell Conducts Mozart’s Symphony No.
Dorothy James
Dorothy James was an American composer and music educator whose work sits within the classical tradition. In New York City she is associated with appearances at David Geffen Hall, including programs such as “Courtesies and Comedy: Mozart and Bologne.
Doug Fitch
Doug Fitch is an American visual artist and director whose practice moves easily between opera staging, drawing, sculpture, and theatrical design. In New York City he has appeared at David Geffen Hall in family-focused programs with the New York Philharmonic and musicians from the orchestra, including Philharmonic Families events introducing young listeners to brass, winds, and strings.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Step into the enchanting world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a timeless maestro whose compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Known for his extraordinary ability to blend melodic beauty with intricate harmony, Mozart's work transcends time, finding a vibrant home in New York City's cultural tapestry.