A farewell voyage through Mozart's music

Piano maestro Sir Andras Schiff has returned to Beijing, this time with his celebrated Cappella Andrea Barca, for a special Mozart program at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

The concerts, held on May 9 and 10 and concluding on May 12, celebrated the 270th anniversary of Mozart's birth while also marking an emotional milestone: the orchestra's farewell tour after nearly three decades of collaboration.

Founded by Schiff in 1999 for Salzburg's Mozart Week, the ensemble was originally created to perform Mozart's complete piano concertos. The group brings together some of Europe's leading soloists and chamber musicians, all personally selected by Schiff and independent of any permanent orchestra.

Its name carries a gentle wordplay: Schiff (ship in German) becomes Barca in Italian, symbolizing a small vessel navigating the seas of music.

Known for their extraordinary skill and intuitive communication, the ensemble performs without a conductor, interpreting music through mutual understanding and dialogue — a reflection of Schiff's vision of equal musical partnership.

Born in Budapest in 1953, Schiff brought his signature clarity and sensitivity to the performances. Together with the orchestra's finely balanced interplay, the concerts delivered interpretations that were vivid, refined and deeply expressive, fully meeting audiences' expectations for Mozart.

Across three evenings, audiences enjoyed an extensive program including Mozart's Piano Concertos Nos. 20, 23, 24, and 25, the Don Giovanni Overture, and Symphony No 40.

The May 12 finale also featured Haydn's Symphony No 45 in F-sharp Minor, Hob. I: 45 "Farewell".

Schiff's masterful playing of the piano and leadership, combined with the orchestra's nuanced performance, brought clarity, warmth, and vitality to every piece. Beyond the music, the performances embodied nearly three decades of artistic camaraderie, leaving a lasting impression on Beijing's classical music scene and creating treasured cultural memories for audiences.