Ferdinand Ries is probably known to many music connoisseurs for his Biographical Notes on Ludwig van Beethoven, an important collection of memories of his friend and teacher. During his lifetime, however, Ries was a famous piano virtuoso and composer throughout Europe, and as such he has increasingly come to the attention of the music world again in recent years. Members of the Philharmonia Zurich, together with pianist Karl-Andreas Kolly, will now perform his Sextet op. 142 with the unusual combination of harp, piano, clarinet, bassoon, horn and double bass. In addition to a movement from Ries' Sonata for Clarinet and Piano op. 29, the program also includes Beethoven's Quintet in E flat major for piano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon op. 16. The early quintet from 1796 is still entirely influenced by Mozart and combines a number of melodic echoes of Mozart's operatic themes, such as the Zerlina aria «Batti, batti, o bel Masetto» from Don Giovanni in the Andante.

For our series of brunch and lunch concerts, musicians of the Philharmonia Zürich present work trouvailles in various constellations, familiar pieces in unusual arrangements, and aural adventures the likes of which you’ve never heard before. These chamber concerts take place in the relaxed yet intimate atmosphere of the magnificent Opernhaus Spiegelsaal. Afterwards, we look forward to welcoming you to the new Bernadette Restaurant for brunch or lunch à la carte. Reserve your table with a magnificent view of the glittering Lake Zurich and the lively Sechseläutenplatz at +41 44 268 64 64 or online at www.bernadette.ch.