Clarinettists Sarah Thurlow and Katherine Spencer are joined by a string trio for tonight’s gig, that will include Mozart’s Clarinet Quartet No. 2 and an Allegro for clarinet, basset horn and string trio. In the two sets we’ll also hear a quartet for basset horn by Georg Drushetzky – a Czech composer and oboist who wrote a number of pieces for the instrument and was briefly in Vienna in the 1780s – and a clarinet quartet by Bernhard Crusell – born in 1775, he was an internationally renowned virtuoso on the instrument, and made an outstanding contribution to the evolving clarinet repertoire in the early 19th Century (he was considered the most significant Finnish composer before Sibelius). And never knowingly performing at less than peak Queen levels (hint)… they’ll be throwing in some arias from Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute.

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The Night Shift at The Water Rats

The Water Rats

We open the evening with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, an all-time favourite depicting Scotland’s rugged landscapes and the power of the seas. This is followed by Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, performed by Katherine Spencer; a masterpiece of elegance and lyrical beauty showcases the clarinet at its most expressive.

Music for a Summer’s Evening (at Opera Holland Park)

Opera Holland Park

When Haydn travelled to London, his friend Mozart worried that it might be a journey too far. But the 18th century classical tradition didn’t end at the shores of Europe, and on the far side of the Atlantic, Mauricio Nunes Garcia was creating music of genius – and rising to become one of the brightest stars in Brazilian and Portuguese music.

Transatlantic: Classical Masters

University of Cambridge

AAM rediscovers the glorious music of Brazilian composer Mauricio Nunes Garcia – in the company of his heroes Mozart and Haydn.
When Haydn travelled to London, his friend Mozart worried that it might be a journey too far. But the 18th century classical tradition didn’t end at the shores of Europe, and on the far side of the Atlantic, Mauricio Nunes Garcia was creating music of genius – and rising to become one of the brightest stars in Brazilian and Portuguese music.

Academy of Ancient Music - Transatlantic: Classical Masters

The Basque composer Arriaga was a child prodigy, dubbed 'the Spanish Mozart' at the time, who composed a number of accomplished quartets and symphonies before his untimely death at only 19 years old. This dramatic overture is the first piece he published.

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

The Anvil

It is no understatement to say that Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is one of those pieces that changed the history of music. 21st Century audiences are so familiar with the sound of the clarinet – it is inextricably linked with smooth romantic melodies or the iconic opening of Rhapsody in Blue – but when Mozart unveiled the piece its sound would have shocked audiences. This performance aims to recapture that sense of wonder and delight.

Katherine Spencer

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 20, 2026

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment · Anvil Arts

Feb 1, 2026

Mozart’s World: A Little Night Music · Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Past events

Sep 22, 2025

The Night Shift at The Water Rats · Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Aug 7, 2025

Music for a Summer’s Evening (at Opera Holland Park) · City of London Sinfonia

Future and recently performed repertoire

Clarinet in Clarinet Quintet by Mozart

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Clarinet in Clarinet Concerto by Mozart

Anvil Arts

Clarinet in Clarinet Concerto in A major by Mozart

City of London Sinfonia

Clarinet in Clarinet Concerto by Mozart

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

About

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