JAZZ MEETS MOZART

Michael was originally commissioned to arrange and direct this project for the 250th Anniversary of Mozart’s birth and subsequently went on to lead a number of performances overseas such as Emirates Palace (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Community Theatre and in Qatar featuring Dominick Farinacci (USA). In addition to Michael, arrangers Grant Windsor and Michael Nelson reworked classics such as the first movement of Symphony #40, The Marriage of Figaro, The Oboe Concerto in C, The Lacrimosa theme and more. Jazz Meets Mozart is a stunning night of music with performances of the highest order.

In 2022, Michael Pignéguy & Rachael Aquilina joined forces to present Jazz Meets Mozart at PS Art Space in Fremantle. The pair assembled their respective quartets to showcase lush and dynamic reinterpretations of a range of Mozart’s seminal works.

The program can performed in the following formats:

Jazz Quartet + String Quartet & guest Oboist

Jazz Quartet + String Orchestra & guest Oboist OR

Jazz Quartet + Full Orchestra & guest Oboist

Symphony #40, The Marriage of Figaro, The Oboe Concerto in C, The Lacrimosa theme and more….

The Program

  • FIRST HALF

    Overture (Arr. M. Pignéguy)

    Highlights from Don Giovanni through to the Marriage of Figaro.

    E Susannah non vien (Arr. M. Pignéguy)

    Purely instrumentally re-interpretation allowing the combined ensemble to explore melodic material led by the first violin and the tenor saxophone.

    Two Quartets – Three Movements (Arr. M. Pignéguy)

    A Convenient Marriage

    Explores key melodies from the overture to the Marriage of Figaro. Commences deceptively with a simple dialogue between the saxophone and violin before allowing the introduction of new material that is then developed by both the jazz and string quartets.

    Impressions of Amadeus (Comp. & Arr. M. Pignéguy)

    The only work with no particular Mozart piece as reference, Impressions of Amadeus seeks to capture a musical approach that Mozart perhaps might have employed if he had access to both classical and jazz musicians.

    Latin Symphony (Arr. M. Pignéguy)

    Paying close attention to the first movement of symphony number 40, this arrangement showcases a radical re-invention using Latin influences to completely reinterpret this composition.

  • SECOND HALF

    The ‘Lacrimosa’ Theme (Arr. G. Windsor)

    This reworking allows the jazz quartet to add new dynamic peaks to the work while taking part in a tense musical conversation with orchestral members that is ultimately resolved - features two piano cadenzas.

    ‘Classic Samba’ from the Oboe Concerto in C (Arr. M. Nelson)

    An extremely exciting and challenging arrangement with guest oboe soloist.

    Finale (Arr. M. Pignéguy)

    A short reprise of the ‘Latin Symphony’.

New Directions for Symphony #40

Highlighting the core themes of Mozart’s 2nd minor Symphony while featuring US Trumpeter, Dominick Farinacci, this dynamic Latin arrangement by Michael Pignéguy is a musical tour de force. Interplay between the classical and jazz musicians is high on the agenda, as is improvisation. By the time this piece reaching it’s thrilling end, it is clear why this arrangement is a favourite for audiences attending Jazz Meets Mozart concerts!