Community Open Rehearsal: Mozart's Clarinet Concerto - Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

A free preview of the Orchestra preparing for the first of two Mozart-inspired concerts this spring.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto was composed for the clarinet we all know—the sleek liquorice black instrument beloved of classical, jazz and marching band musicians. But, in a bit of a twist, it turns out that it was originally written for the basset clarinet, a forerunner of the modern instrument that Mozart’s friend Anton Stadler had a hand in developing. Now, the OAE’s principal clarinettist, Katherine Spencer, has had one made just to play Mozart’s last piece—and you can hear it in action at this community open rehearsal.

Watch and listen to Katherine and friends play Mozart's Clarinet Quintet on the basset clarinet

Katherine and the Orchestra, directed by Kati Debretzeni, will be getting ready for Mozart’s World: A Little Night Music which tours to regional venues before a concert at the Southbank Centre in London on Sunday 1 February. The programme for the concert also includes Mozart’s popular Eine kleine Nachtmusik and pieces by his good friend Michael Haydn (brother of the more famous Joseph) and Juan Arriaga (the ‘Spanish Mozart’).

Our Community Open Rehearsals are open to everyone. They take place at Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park, where the OAE is based – the nearest tube station is Tufnell Park on the Northern Line (usually less than 10 minutes from Euston or King’s Cross). We’d like anyone to feel able and comfortable to attend these events. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have – please email us if we can help.

It’s free to attend – but please register so we know how much tea to make!

Violinist Julia Kuhn and bass player Cecelia Bryggemyer playing in the playground at Acland burghley School

Japanese conductor Masaaki Suzuki conducts the OAE with singer Florian Stortz

OAE musicians run a workshop in a school classroom

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Community Open Rehearsal: Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

Tufnell Park, Acland Burghley School Assembly Hall

Monday 19 January 2026, 16:00

Event detail

A free preview of the Orchestra preparing for the first of two Mozart-inspired concerts this spring.

What is a basset clarinet?

Did you know you can support the OAE?

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