Grammy-nominated bassoonist and former Blaine resident Martin Kuuskmann will join the Whatcom Symphony in Bellingham, WA on January 27, 2019 for Happy Birthday, Amadeus!

The joyful tribute to the prolific composer will begin with Symphony No. 2 by Mozart’s contemporary, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, also known as Joseph Bologne. Born the son of an aristocratic French plantation owner and an African slave, Bologne emerged as a virtuoso composer, violinist, and swordsman, leading a prestigious orchestra in Paris and performing personally for Marie Antoinette. His compositions are often compared to those of Mozart and some have cited them as possible sources of inspiration for Mozart’s own compositions.

Then, Martin Kuuskmann returns to Whatcom County to perform Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto. One of the leading solo instrumentalists today, Kuuskmann has performed at such venues as Carnegie Hall, The Lincoln Center, and The Kennedy Center.

“We are delighted to welcome Martin Kuuskmann back to Whatcom County to join us for Mozart’s birthday celebration,” says Music Director Yaniv Attar. “Kuuskmann’s charisma and dynamism is something special to behold, and I know our audiences will enjoy this fabulous tribute to Mozart.”

The concert will close with Mozart’s noble and powerful “Jupiter” Symphony, named such over 30 years after Mozart’s death, likely due to the extravagant presence of trumpets and drums that give the Symphony its unique and almost godly quality.

Sunday, January 27 at 3:00PM at Mount Baker Theatre. Tickets start at $15. For details, call the Mount Baker Theatre Box Office at (360) 734-6080 or visit the WSO website at www.whatcomsymphony.com.

A pre-concert lecture by Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel will take place at 2:15 p.m. Admission is free for ticket-holders, but seating is limited.

Kuuskmann will also be present at a Symphony fundraising dinner taking place at Keenan’s at the Pier on Saturday, January 26. To inquire about the restaurant dinner, please contact the Whatcom Symphony Office at (360) 756-6752.