Mozart and the Freemasons, a Conductor's Take

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart remains one of the most celebrated composers of the Classical Period. For more than two centuries his works have endured and influenced musicians, yet many fans are unaware of the instrumental role the Freemasons played during Mozart’s final years. Sergio Bernal, director of Utah State University’s Symphony Orchestra, will examine this relationship at the March Kiger Hour event.

Bernal’s talk, “Mozart and the Freemasons: The Magic Flute,” discusses Mozart’s involvement with the order during his prolific final years. The Masonic ideals were reflected in the libretto and the music of his opera The Magic Flute, Bernal said.

“I am hoping that from my talk the audience will gain new insight and interest towards Mozart’s life and music, especially in the last years when he produced some of his most poignant works,” Bernal said.

The USU Opera Theatre and the USU Symphony Orchestra will present a fully-staged production of The Magic Flute at the Kent Concert Hall April 6-9. Bernal co-directs the performances with Lynn Jemison-Keisker, director of USU’s Opera Theatre.

Bernal, associate professor of music, studied conducting at the University of Michigan and Yale University, and apprenticed from the late Eduardo Mata at the Dallas Symphony. He is a native of Columbia and has appeared with orchestras all over the world, including the National Opera of Mexico, the Torun Chamber Orchestra and the Szczecin Opera of Poland, the W.A Mozart Philharmonic of Romania and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Since 1993, Bernal has worked closely with the National System of Orchestras of Venezuela, serving as a permanent guest conductor and artistic advisor.

This is Bernal’s first Kiger Hour talk.

Kiger Hour is a social and intellectual program presented by Utah State University and sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Caine College of the Arts. Bernal is featured Thursday, March 17, from 5:15 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Steak and Seafood, 2427 N. Main St., Logan. A buffet with appetizers, desserts and soft drinks, iced tea or coffee is available. Cost is $6.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and billed on an individual basis. Guests can also order from the menu, and a cash bar is available.

For planning purposes, please RSVP to Natalie Archibald Smoot in the college office, 435-797-2796, or email, natalie.archibald@usu.edu.

Related links:

• USU Symphony Orchestra
• USU Department of Music
• USU Caine College of the Arts
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Contact: Natalie Smoot, (435) 797-2796, natalie.archibald@usu.edu