Germanfest
March 21, 2026 - 3 PM
Moorings Presbyterian Church
GermanFest: Mozart, Grieg, Wagner, and Schumann in Brilliant Color
Celebrate the passion and power of German Romanticism with Mozart’s sparkling Magic Flute overture, Wagner’s epic Tannhäuser, Schumann’s sweeping Symphony No. 4, and Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto, featuring a rising local scholarship soloist.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Overture to Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K.620
Mozart’s sparkling overture to The Magic Flute launches a world of fantasy, heroism, and wisdom with racing fugues and bold, Masonic chords. Its brisk tempo and luminous orchestration conjure a magical atmosphere, setting the stage for enchanted quests and comic adventures. As the curtain rises, audiences are swept into the hopeful urgency and mystery of Mozart’s late masterpiece.
Duration: 7'
Edward Grieg:
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16:
I. Allegro molto moderato
The concerto’s unforgettable opening—a dramatic timpani roll and virtuosic piano flourish—immediately showcases the soloist’s artistry and boldness. Sweeping melodies, Norwegian folk rhythms, and lyrical exchanges unite orchestra and piano in a rush of youthful passion. Naples' own scholarship student, a high school senior, brings brilliance and promise to this beloved romantic showpiece.
Duration: 13'
Richard Wagner:
Overture to Tannhäuser
Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture opens with the noble Pilgrims’ Chorus before swirling into a storm of desire and redemption drawn from medieval legend. Throughout, glowing brass and mysterious strings evoke the conflict between sacred duty and earthly temptation. Richly evocative and epic in scope, the overture creates a dramatic journey that resounds long after its final chord.
Duration: 14'
Intermission
Robert Schumann:
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120
Schumann’s Fourth Symphony overflows with restless romance, as stormy melodies and lyrical passages flow seamlessly from one movement to the next. The work’s vivid orchestration sweeps listeners through passionate dances, soulful interludes, and triumphant climaxes. Intensely personal and full of dramatic color, this symphony is Schumann’s testament to love and imagination.
Duration: 32'
Our Community Partnership with Artis-Naples and the Naples Philharmonic
We are grateful to Artis-Naples for the Community Partnership with the Naples Philharmonic. We are fortunate to have several musicians of the Naples Philharmonic be part of the Naples Community Orchestra. This is a partnership that we value and that enhances the Community. Thank you Artis-Naples!