Ian Page and The Mozartists win ‘Most Innovative Classical Music Ensemble’ at 2021 Greater London Awards
Ian Page and The Mozartists have won the award for ‘Most Innovative Classical Music Ensemble’ at the 2021 Greater London Awards, recently announced by SME News.
SME News Greater London Awards programme, now in its fifth year, recognises the work done by small and medium businesses in Greater London, which were able to continue despite the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award for ‘Most Innovative Classical Music Ensemble’ epitomises the pioneering nature of Ian Page’s programming and his ground-breaking MOZART 250 project, a 27-year mission to explore each of the years during which Mozart was musically active. It also reflects The Mozartists’ inventive approach to providing high quality educational opportunities for schoolchildren.
Ian Page comments on this award: “I am delighted that The Mozartists are being recognised for the innovative spirit that we aim to embody in all of our work. Our MOZART 250 project, in particular, represents a real effort to imbue our programmes, and indeed our outreach and education work, with ingenuity and flair.”
Soprano Jessica Cale becomes Associate Artist
The Mozartists are pleased to announce that soprano Jessica Cale has joined their prestigious Associate Artists Scheme. The scheme began in 2006 and since then there have been over forty Associate Artists, including Louise Alder, Sophie Bevan, Allan Clayton and Stuart Jackson. Associate Artists receive significant performance opportunities with the company’s period-instrument orchestra; extended rehearsal periods to enable them to explore the music and develop their craft in great detail; opportunities to present new repertoire in intimate private recitals; coaching, guidance and career advice from Ian Page; financial support to help with the cost of ongoing study, scores, CDs and concert dress; marketing and promotion to the press and within the profession; and mentorship and training to address specific needs.
Jessica Cale recently graduated from the Royal College of Music International Opera Studio and won the 2020 Kathleen Ferrier Award and the Audience Prize in the 2020 Handel Singing Competition. She made her company début alongside tenor and Associate Artist Alessandro Fisher at the ‘Swinging Sixties’ concert which took place in September (Wigmore Hall, 16 September 2021). Her forthcoming performances with the company include ‘1772 – A Retrospective’ (Cadogan Hall, 27 January 2022).
Ian Page commented “We are so pleased that Jessica is joining our musical family and sincerely look forward to working with her on future projects.”
Next Concert in MOZART 250 Series Announced for January 2022
The Mozartists’ first concert of 2022, ‘1772 – a retrospective’ – will take place on 27 January at Cadogan Hall at 7.30pm.
It continues the acclaimed series of MOZART 250 retrospectives with a programme that features symphonies by Mozart and Haydn and arias by such largely forgotten composers as Traetta and Gassmann. The concert, which will take place on Mozart’s birthday, will feature two soprano soloists: Associate Artist Chiara Skerath, who has recently made acclaimed débuts at the Salzburg Festival and the
Opéra de Paris, and Associate Artist Jessica Cale.
Ian Page comments “Our 1772 programme balances masterpieces with lesser-known works which certainly deserved to be rediscovered and presented for a modern audience. Thanks to the combination of this exciting repertoire, our two outstanding soloists, and the passion and dedication of our orchestra, it promises to be a truly special night.”
“It is hard to think of a more valuable or ambitious long term musical project than Ian Page and Classical Opera’s MOZART 250.”
EARLY MUSIC REVIEW