San Francisco Chronicle

Midsummer Mozart back after death of founder

- — Joshua Kosman

The death of conductor George Cleve in 2015 marked the end of a vibrant chapter in the Bay Area’s musical life, not least because it set adrift the Midsummer Mozart Festival, which Cleve founded and led for more than 40 years. Without Cleve’s fiery and insightful artistic leadership, it wasn’t clear what role the organizati­on might play.

Fortunatel­y, the festival is now finding its way back — still dedicated to Mozart’s music exclusivel­y, and still commanding the devotion of local music lovers.

This summer’s lone concert program is conducted by Paul Schrage, Cleve’s last conducting student, and features violinist Ani Bukujian as soloist in Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3.

Midsummer Mozart Festival: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12. Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara; 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14. Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma. $15-$65. 510-219-0798. www.midsummerm­ozart.org

 ?? Bill Hocker ?? Paul Schrage, who studied under George Cleve, will conduct Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3.
Bill Hocker Paul Schrage, who studied under George Cleve, will conduct Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3.

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