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“In Austria the Mozarteum is a well-known
national treasure, loved and venerated for their beautiful
concert hall and their museum collection. But tonight, it’s
like a coming out party for New Yorkers”, offered the
hostess Marifé Hernández last Monday night when she
and her husband, Joel Bell, opened their Manhattan
duplex to nearly 100 friends to celebrate the Salzburg
Mozarteum Foundation and meet Linus Klumpner,
Director of Mozart Museums, Johannes Honsig-Erlenburg,
President of the International Mozarteum Foundation, Stefan
Schnoll, Vice Governor of Salzburg and State Counselor
for Cultural Affairs, and Reiner Heneis, General
Manager of the Mozarteum.
To make the evening even more special, a
priceless violin belonging to Mozart, one of six in
the Mozarteum collection. made its first trip to America and
was played at the reception. The 18th century Italian
instrument was Mozart’s favorite and one he used to compose
and perform. Deemed too difficult to package, the directors
of the Foundation carefully walked it onto their flight to
New York as hand luggage. “We, of course worry, and protect
it in every way possible,” explained Linus Klumpner, “but
really just carrying it ourselves onto the airplane is the
best way” Introducing the music Johannes Honsig-Erlenburg,
added “We know that when God listens to music it's Bach. But
when he turns his back, the Angels listen to Mozart.”
Among the guests were Noreen Buckfire, Philippe de
Montebello, Carol and John French, Isabelle Harnoncourt,
Elbrun Kimmelman, Sana Sabbagh, Jill Sackler, Pat Schoenfeld,
Barbara Tober, Adrienne and Gigi Vittadini.
The Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation owns the largest
collection worldwide of original letters, portraits, and
instruments of the Mozart Family. In 1880 Mozart’s widow, Constanze,
as well as his two sons, Carl Thomas and Franz Xaver
Wolfgang, donated the majority of his personal belongings
and memorabilia to the Foundation.
Ever since Mozarteum has exhibited these musical treasures
and arranged superb concerts.
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