Flutist Ransom Wilson founded OK Mozart in 1985, two years after he and his ensemble Solisti New York visited the Community Center while on tour and were impressed with its acoustics. Originally a weekend-long event, the festival now includes 170 performances, tours, talks, and workshops over nine days.
The program includes performances of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado; the world premiere of Mozart's Magnificent Voyage, a children's opera about the composer; and a series of chamber music performances led by violist Paul Neubauer. Wilson conducts Solisti New York in three performances, including an evening of Mozart piano concertos with pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and the festival's closing concert with guitarist Christopher Parkening.
The final concert will also include a tribute to ballet great Maria Tallchief, an Oklahoma native.