The Mozart Society of Toronto

The Panocha Quartet was formed in 1968, while its members were still students at the Prague Conservatory. The first great success came when the Quartet was named as laureate of the 1975 Prague Spring International String Quartet Completition. Since that time the Quartet has achieved international fame progressing from one triumph to another. From 1975 the Panocha Quartet has made fifteen visits to the USA and Canada and been a regular visitor to Great Britain, as well as playing also in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Mexico and elsewhere. The Quartet has participated in major international festivals including Edinburgh, Salzburg, Prague, Menton, Dubrovník, Tel Aviv, Kuhmo and Mondsee. In 1976 it was awarded the Bordeaux Gold Medal and in 1982 came a Supraphon Gold Disc. In 1983 the Grand Prix Academy Charles Cross was received in Paris for the recording of Martinů's Quartet Nos. 4 and 6. The Panocha Quartet places particular emphasis on Czech music especially the works of Smetana, Dvořák, Janáček and Martinů. Its extensive repertoire also included many Viennese classics, notably many of the quartets of Haydn. Equally the Quartet's programmes often include the great Romantic quartets, as well as those of twentieth century masters such as Abartók and Shostakovich. The many recordings for the Supraphon label include the current completion of all the chamber works of Dvořák.

Toronto, September 14, 2008

Dear Friends:

It’s time to launch the 08/09 season of the Mozart Society. We would like to welcome you at all our upcoming events. We have also launched a new version of our website, www.mozartsociety-toronto.com – be sure to check it out.

Our first evening of the fall will feature a lecture, with musical examples, by Franz Szabo, entitled “Mozart and His Friends”. There will be time for discussion afterwards. Dr. Szabo is an internationally renowned historian, who is visiting Toronto from Edmonton. This event will take place at our usual location (Sunderland Hall, First Unitarian Congregation, 175 St. Clair Ave. W.) on Wednesday, October 1, at 7:30 pm.

On Wednesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m. we welcome, once again, the Panocha Quartet from Prague (also at Sunderland Hall, First Unitarian Congregation, 175 St. Clair Ave. W.). They will play string quartets by Ryba (in D Minor), Haydn (op.33, no. 6 in D Major), Mozart (K. 80 in G Major), and Schubert (D. 87 in E flat Major). This will be a very full and enjoyable evening. This very fine quartet will celebrate its 40th anniversary during this Canadian tour.

This letter will be the only reminder for the fall concerts. Please note the concert dates in a convenient place, or keep this page as a reminder. Remember, full details of the evenings (and any changes) are posted on this website (www.mozartsociety-toronto.com) and placed on our voicemail (416.201.3338) as they become available.

Our present plans for 2009 include appearances by the Zemlinsky Quartet (in February), and Ivan and Katerina Zenaty (in March), as well as our annual party (in April).

We will celebrate Mozart’s birthday (January 27th) with John Endrenyi, the president of the Mozart Society.  He will be playing his favourite DVD of The Marriage of Figaro.

This is the time of year when we ask for the renewal of your membership in the Society. We can only continue our programs with your interest and encouragement. Please download a membership form that you can either mail to us or bring to one of our fall meetings with your cheque.

I hope that I can look forward to seeing you at the Society’s activities this fall.

Chris Reed

Secretary