CLASSICAL music lovers have double the reason to celebrate this month as the WA Mozarteum kicks off its Summer Mozart Festival, marking both the 270th anniversary of the composter’s birth and the ensemble’s own 20th year of performing in Western Australia.

This year’s milestone festival promises an intimate look at the man behind the music, exploring the lesser-known repertoire from Mozart’s teenage years in Salzburg through early symphonies, serenades, and divertimentos.

To bring the history to life, the musical performances will be interspersed with readings from the Mozart family’s personal correspondence and historical sources.

The highlight of the festival is a special Mozart’s Birthday Soirée held on the composer’s exact birthday, Tuesday January 27 at 7pm.

Set in St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church in Darlington, the evening features the Cambini Quintet performing a delightful selection of woodwind chamber music and every ticket includes refreshments and a slice of birthday cake.

The festival will also hold four Sunday afternoon concerts at 3pm at UWA’s Callaway Auditorium, featuring distinguished Perth musicians and principal players from the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

The first concert, titled From Salzburg to Paris will be performed on Sunday, January 11.

The second concert, Inside the Salzburg Laboratory will play on Sunday, January 18.

Concert three, The Maturing Maestro will be performed on Sunday, January 25.

The final concert, From Paris to Salzburg will be played on Sunday, February 1.

Featured artists include renowned harpist Yi-Yun Loei and Artistic Director Dr. Emily Gunson, who has previously performed for the Mozart Gesellschaft Kurpfalz in Germany.

For more information on pricing and to book tickets for any of the five performances, visit their website.