Mozart Turns 250 in 2006: Mainly Mozart Throws Lavish, Year Long Birthday Bash in San Diego Region

SAN DIEGO, CA. (Mainly Mozart's Official Website, www.mainlymozart.org) - Mainly Mozart, San Diego's resident Mozart specialist, leads the nation with the most expansive celebration of Mozart's 250th birthday in all of North America. Lasting from January through December, 2006 Mainly Mozart not only produces double its usual number of concerts and events dedicated to the composer, but organizes an army of over 60 regional arts and cultural organizations as collaborators.

Some highlights of the regional celebration, which extends into Baja California, include glittering black-tie galas, all-Mozart chamber music concerts, a predominantly Mozart May/June music festival, world premieres, performances of major choral works, free lunchtime concerts and dance events, street fairs, gallery and museum exhibitions, children's programs and concerts in elegant and unusual settings. From North County, to Downtown, to Tijuana and Mexicali, Mozart-themed events pay homage to one of the world's greatest composers.

Born on Jan. 27, 1756 in Salzburg, Austria, Mozart died on Dec. 5, 1791 at the age of 35, after creating over 600 inspired works. He ranks as one of the greatest composers in the Western tradition. In his day, he performed with virtuosity on several instruments, and composed in every genre from dances to opera. Mainly Mozart, founded in 1989, has two parties scheduled for his birth week: Saturday, Jan. 21 and Friday, Jan. 27. Jan. 21 is Amadeus 2006, Mainly Mozart's annual birthday celebration, replete with chamber orchestra in period attire - David Atherton conducting - and guests in 18th century costumes (optional). Jan. 27 is the kick-off concert for Mainly Mozart's annual Spotlight Series of chamber music concerts; with a larger chamber orchestra, also garbed in period attire under Maestro Atherton, and a post concert birthday party to which the entire audience is invited. The orchestra will tour to different cities in California and Mexico throughout Mozart's birth week.

This is just the beginning. Subsequent weeks sparkle with Mozart-themed concerts, operas, dance performances, plays and events. Paramount among these is the 18th annual Mainly Mozart Festival May 19 - June 24, 2006, with its All-Star Orchestra comprised of principal players from top North American orchestras, and internationanally renowned soloists and ensembles, all under the baton of Atherton. For a complete list of Mozart Year events, visit https://www.mainlymozart.org, or call 619-239-0100.