MSU Celebrates Mozart's 259th Birthday With Tribute Concert
EAST LANSING (WWJ) -- In celebration of the 259th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birth, Michigan State University's College of Music is hosting a "Happy Birthday Mozart" tribute concert on Monday night.
Mozart was born in 1756 as a "child prodigy" and would become one of the most beloved composers in the world. Dr. Marcy Ray, MSU's musicologist and the concert guide, says Mozart used to tour with his father and sister.
"We have a number of accounts that felt his talents were supernatural, that they couldn't be real," Ray said. "They would test him -- people would throw out melodies and he would have to provide different types of accompaniment and they would say, 'create an aria in the style of Handel' and he would have to compose something on the spot."
Ray said that in addition to Mozart's music being played by faculty, there will be cupcakes that feature his face. Ray will be the concert guide offering a closer look at Mozart and the history that surrounds him and his music.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $5 for students and are available from the College of Music box office, by calling (517) 353-5340, online at music.msu.edu, or at the door.
