What began as a simple idea to honor one of the world’s greatest composers has turned into a beloved tradition at the Michigan State University College of Music. The annual Happy Birthday Mozart! concert will once again anchor the College’s esteemed Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series on Monday, January 24th, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre. Interested viewers who may be unable to come to the venue are invited to watch the live digital broadcast on the College of Music’s Livestream channel.

For more than a decade, fabulous performances by MSU artists and guests have included some of Mozart’s best-known piano sonatas, chamber works, and arias. Deborah Moriarty, who also serves as professor of piano and chair of the Piano Area at MSU, is the director of this popular annual event.

“I knew when we came up with the idea to honor Mozart that we would never be at a loss for wonderful music to celebrate this beloved composer,” said Moriarty.

The program planned for the 2022 concert includes Tema con Variazioni in G major for piano four hands, the Quintet in Eb major for piano and winds, and vocal selections from Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and other compositions. Performing these magnificent works are MSU artists Jane Bunnell, mezzo-soprano; Marc Embree, bass-baritone; Rick Fracker, tenor; Michael Kroth, bassoon; Elden Little, piano; Deborah Moriarty, piano; Anne Nispel, soprano; Sarah Southard, oboe; Zhihua Tang, piano; Corbin Wagner, horn; and Mingzhe Wang, clarinet. 

Born January 27, 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. He wrote and excelled in every musical genre at the time, and created a universal musical voice heralded the world over. His excellence and that of our exceptional MSU artists make this a concert not to miss. A festive bonus for the event, birthday cookies will be provided to attending patrons following the concert.

The concert is generously sponsored by April Clobes and Glen Brough. The entire West Circle Series is generously sponsored by Joanne and Bill Church.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older), $7 for students with ID and anyone under age 18, and can be purchased online, in the Music Office via phone at (517) 353-5340, or in-person in Room 102, Music Building, 333 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, when still available.

To help maintain a safe concert-going experience, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required of all attendees ages 12 and up. This policy is part of new university directives for COVID-19 announced Jan. 1. Details can be found on the College of Music’s website under MSU Music COVID-19 directives, along with answers to commonly asked questions on the College’s FAQ webpage.

Information on this and other concerts, recitals and performances can be found on the MSU College of Music website.