Ablogin's minimal movements and transparent voicing created a contemplative atmosphere and the pianist drew the audience in with his sophisticated expression and beautiful soft dynamics.
-South Florida Classical Review

In this concert, the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century brings three pieces by Mozart to the stage, along with up-and-coming talent Dmitry Ablogin on fortepiano. You will hear Symphony No. 25 by a just immature Mozart - he was 17 when he wrote it in 1773. Also, the piano concerto in E-flat major from 1784 and the 27th piano concerto from the year of his death. A cross section from the second half of the life of this musical genius who died too young.

And that time is interesting not only because of Mozart's life. A tremendously turbulent period descended upon Europe in the last decades of the 18th century. The French and Industrial Revolution and abolition of the slave trade (to name just a few major events), and all under the rule of "enlightened monarch" and Mozart supporter Joseph II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and ruler of the Habsburg monarchy.

And in this period-the last years of the Enlightenment in Europe; the fall of the old principalities; the cradle of our modern age-Mozart wrote his best and most beautiful works. And all in a crucible of revolutions and uprisings, which is surprisingly similar to our own time.

The Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century is celebrating Christmas in style this year. A Baroque program to lick your fingers at: Handel, Vivaldi, J.S. Bach and Delalande and, of course, Corelli, sung by the magnificent Nardus Williams and conducted by David Bates.

Nardus Williams received an international opera award for Rising Star at the end of 2022 in Milan. Never before has the British "one to look out for" (guardian) been heard in the Netherlands. Together with early music specialist conductor and clavicinist David Bates, they guarantee a special evening to usher in Christmas. Their joint performance of works by Purcell at the BBC Proms last year received high praise from the international press.

Olga dances across the keys, confidently absorbed in the overwhelming beauty of the orchestra, long trembling like an elated thrush. [...] The way Baigent mightily drags the orchestra along is marvelous
-Leidsch Dagblad

Especially for the AVROTROS Friday night concert, the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century brings a thoroughly romantic program. Beethoven is flanked in this concert by two female composers: Clara Schumann and Emilie Mayer. And none other than Olga Pashchenko will perform the solo piano parts. Pashchenko will play on her own instrument for this program.

Although Clara Schumann is quite well-known in the Netherlands, Emilie Mayer does not immediately ring a bell with many concertgoers. In German-speaking countries, however, she is seen as the female Beethoven. She began composing late in life, but wrote an impressive eight symphonies, an opera and many songs and chamber music. The unknown overture that the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century plays tonight is a whirlwind of highs and lows and seems almost to be intended as an ode to Beethoven.