The Magic Flute and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Belgrade Philharmonic

The Belgrade Philharmonic’s wind ensemble is preparing a real concert treat at the Belgrade Philharmonic Hall on Thursday and Friday, June 3 and 4, at 7:00 p.m. featuring classical music masterpieces The Magic Flute and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in interesting arrangements.

Clarinetist Ognjen Popović and his colleagues are preparing a concert that had already been scheduled twice during this season but due to the current situation was not held at the previous dates. That is why the first week of June will be third time lucky for the lighthearted and romantic melodies of Mozart and Mendelssohn, among others the famous Wedding March.

The Magic Flute and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are masterpieces of classical music. Their beauty and significance make them one of the brightest pearls of classical music. Therefore, they always represent a special challenge and pleasure, for performers and audiences alike. There are many parallels that connect Mozart and Mendelssohn. They were both prodigies and from their earliest childhood they composed their first works and played the piano brilliantly,” Ognjen Popović said.

In addition to the original versions, most of Mozart’s operas have been preserved in the version for wind ensembles with double bass. Such opera arrangements enjoyed great popularity in the 18th century. The Belgrade Philharmonic audience will hear the arrangement by Mozart’s contemporary Josef Heidenreich. On the other hand, oboist Andreas Tarkman (1956), continues to nurture masterfully the tradition of arranging operas for smaller chamber ensembles. Thanks to him, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is only one of many compositions that wind ensembles perform happily at concerts around the world.

In addition to Ognjen Popović, the ensemble includes Stana Krstajić (flute), Sanja Romić (oboe), Petar Vucelić (oboe), Mihailo Samoran (clarinet), Nenad Janković (bassoon), Dušan Petrović (bassoon), Nikola Ćirić (horn), Gordana Stojnić (horn) and Srdjan Djordjević (double bass).