Masterworks Series

Mozart & Mendelssohn

May 8-10, 2026

Belding Theater at The Bushnell
Friday & Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 3 PM

Program

Clyne, Color Field

Mozart, Concerto for Clarinet in A major, K. 622

Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Opus 56, “Scottish”

Featuring

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

Sangwon Lee, clarinet

About

Experience an evocative journey through sound and emotion as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart & Mendelssohn- a program that explores color, character, and landscape. Anna Clyne’s Color Field opens the concert with a vibrant, contemporary tribute inspired by the bold hues of abstract expressionist art—setting the stage for a night of rich textures and emotional depth.

We are delighted to welcome HSO’s Principal Clarinetist Sangwon Lee to perform Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major. A masterpiece of grace and subtle joy, it’s a shining example of Mozart’s genius and his deep love for the clarinet.

The journey concludes in the misty, majestic landscapes of Scotland with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, the “Scottish.” Sweeping, dramatic, and infused with Celtic flair, it captures the rugged romance of the highlands in symphonic form.

From color and light to spirit and scenery, this program offers a stunning spectrum of musical expression.

Sangwon Lee joined the Hartford Symphony as Principal Clarinet in 2023. He has performed with orchestras all over New England, which include the Boston Philharmonic, Berkshire Opera Festival, Vermont Symphony, Dartmouth Symphony, New Bedford Symphony, Symphony New Hampshire, etc. As a chamber musician, Sangwon has shared the stage with the late Peter Serkin – performing the Beethoven and the Mozart Quintets for Piano with Winds in multiple performances in 2018.

In addition to performing, Sangwon is passionate about music education. He has coached the clarinet sections of all levels at the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has taught clarinet, saxophone, and chamber music at the Bard Music Camp in the summers since 2016 and was an instructor of clarinet and saxophone at the Simon’s Rock College in Great Barrington, MA.

He holds a BM in Clarinet Performance and a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan, an MM in Critical, Curatorial, and Performance Studies from Bard College, and a Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory. His teachers include Daniel Gilbert and Thomas Martin.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Attend the FREE pre-concert talk with Maestro Kuan or special guest one hour before the concert!

Bring your smartphone to access our digital Playbill- don’t forget to silence it!

Grab a drink or bite from one of our convenient bar/café locations, and feel free to bring to your seat.

Applaud when you like what you hear – don’t worry about the “right” time!

Wear what you want – be comfortable.

Share This Event, Choose Your Platform!