London

Mozart’s stays in London: 23 April – 6 August and 25 September – 24 July 1765
Mozart’s stay in Chelsea: 6 August – approx. 25 September 1764

Between 1763 and 1766, the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart embarked on a remarkable journey through Western Europe. Leaving his home city of Salzburg, he traveled with his family through Germany and Belgium to Paris, before crossing the Channel via Calais to England. The Mozart family remained in England for fifteen months, a period filled with discovery, music, and artistic growth.

In London, Wolfgang and his sister Nannerl enchanted audiences with their extraordinary talent, performing in elegant concert halls as well as at the royal court before King George III and Queen Sophie Charlotte. The bustling musical life of the city opened new horizons for the young composer. A particularly formative encounter was his meeting with Johann Christian Bach, whose graceful and expressive style left a deep impression on Mozart and helped shape his own musical voice. Surrounded by new sounds and influences, Mozart began to compose with growing confidence and imagination. It was in London, amid inspiration and curiosity, that he created his first symphonies—early echoes of the genius that would later transformthe world of music.

London is represented in the association by “The Mozartists”, under the dynamic leadership of conductor and artistic director Ian Page. The ensemble is one of the leading interpreters of the music of Mozart and his contemporaries. Originally called Classical Opera, the ensemble was founded in 1997 and enjoys an international reputation for its stylish and virtuoso orchestra playing on period instruments, its imaginative and innovative programs, and its ability to nurture and develop young artists of international stature. “The Mozartists” have an extensive repertoire of recordings and perform regularly in the UK’s leading concert halls, including Wigmore Hall, the Barbican Centre, the Southbank Centre, and Birmingham Town Hall. They have also toured Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Greece, and Czechia.