Violist

The supernatural perfection of Mozart’s music was produced by a man many considered a “quill in divine hands.” Two sublime works—his Piano Trio in B-flat, KV 502 and Quartet in G minor, KV 478—may convince you of the same. To remind us of the humanity behind the legend, the program sets Amadeus between his father Leopold—who wrote piano exercises for Amadeus and his sister Nannerl, and shrewdly marketed his “child wonder”—and his son Franz Xaver, who, without the shadow of his father’s genius, would have been remembered as a fine composer in his own right. A special attraction will be the world premiere of a newly discovered Mozart fragment, found under unusual circumstances! 

EPSG:4326

Close Encounters With Music: Mostly Amadeus—Meet the Mozarts!

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of First Mondays, curated by Artistic Director Laurence Lesser. Programs feature well-loved classics and new compositions performed by some of the finest chamber musicians in the world in NEC’s renowned Jordan Hall. These performances are free and open to all! 

First Monday at Jordan Hall: November

New England Conservatory

**Close Encounters With Music: Gala Concert: Great Piano Quintets**

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 9, at 4:00 pm, as we celebrate the grandeur of Great Piano Quintets. This gala concert, part of the Close Encounters With Music series, promises to be a majestic journey through the realms of classical music, featuring some of the most profound and beautiful compositions ever written for piano quintet.

The highlight of the evening will be Dvořák’s sublime Piano Quintet in A Major, a piece that occupies a lofty place in the chamber music canon alongside Brahms’s Piano Quintet in F minor, op. 34. These works, known for their symphonic scope, invite the audience into a world of powerful beauty, profundity, and nobility of sentiments, enriched with folk tunes and polkas. The concert will explore the fascinating relationship between Dvořák and Brahms, showcasing how Brahms’s encouragement and mentorship influenced Dvořák’s compositions.

Featuring an all-star ensemble led by artistic director Yehuda Hanani, the concert will include performances by brilliant American pianist Max Levinson, known for his deep and touching interpretations, and violist Jordan Bak, a rising star celebrated for his commanding presence. They will be joined by Ara Gregorian and Hye-Jin Kim on violin, and Yehuda Hanani on cello, making this a truly remarkable gathering of talent.

This event marks the conclusion of Season 32 of Close Encounters, a season that has been bookended by the miraculous output of Johannes Brahms and Dvořák’s folkloric genius. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the spontaneity and vitality of these legendary composers brought to life by an exceptional ensemble.

**Event Details:**
- **Date:** Sunday, June 9
- **Time:** 4:00 pm
- **Location:** Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
- **Tickets:** $28 for Upper Balcony, $52 for Orchestra and Mezzanine

Prepare to be transported by the sonic grandeur of great piano quintets in an ideal partnership of string quartet and piano. Secure your tickets now for an evening of timeless music that promises to touch the soul and uplift the spirit.

Violist

Ara Gregorian

Events

Past events

Mar 15, 2026

Close Encounters With Music: Mostly Amadeus—Meet the Mozarts! · Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Nov 4, 2024

First Monday at Jordan Hall: November · New England Conservatory

Future and recently performed repertoire

Viola in Quartet in G minor, KV 478 by Mozart

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

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