The Night Shift: The George Tavern, Shadwell

Kinga Ujszaszi (violin) and Max Mandel (viola) present an evening of duos for violin and viola – a perhaps surprisingly popular combo in the 18th century – by Mozart and his contemporaries.

Mozart’s two contributions to the genre were composed in 1783 as a favour to his friend Michael Haydn (brother of the more famous Joseph). Haydn had fallen ill and was unable to complete a commission for six duos; Mozart gave him the two pieces which were then passed off as Haydn’s work (don’t do this at school, kids). In Mozart’s hands the possibilities of the duo are wondrously expanded with richer textures and greater technical demands on the players. The sleight of hand was, apparently, not obvious to Haydn’s commissioner, Hieronymus von Colloredo the Archbishop of Salzburg , who never noticed Mozart’s part in the final product!

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The Night Shift is our series of informal gigs featuring chamber music by some of our favourite composers. Chamber music is literally music for smaller rooms in the home (or other places where people socialise). And that’s how we like it to roll… grab a drink, enjoy the sounds and have a chat.

Spaces limited, book early to avoid disappointment.