New Times / Art

Playing those heartstrings

BY ANNA WELTNER

Festival Mozaic may be best known as an annual summer extravaganza, featuring the nation’s top musicians in classical (and not-so-classical) concerts at venues throughout San Luis Obispo County. But Mozaic also lives up to its description as a “year-round music festival” with a WinterMezzo series, taking place during the bleakest months of the year. On Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12, catch the second WinterMezzo weekend of the season. The theme is Heartthrobs, and the event will feature performances of Lugwig Van Beethoven’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in F major, Op. 50, Alexander Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D major, and Robert Schumann’s String Quartet in F, op. 41 no. 2.

SCOTT YOO, MUSIC DIRECTOR PHOTO BY CARLO RANCANCIO

It all starts Friday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. with a Notable Encounter event at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Music Director Scott Yoo and several guest artists will lead an interactive discussion on the ways in which Beethoven and Borodin used their musical genius to evoke emotion and express the desires of the heart. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you listen to these musicians’ unique perspectives.

Then, on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m., savor the fine dining and ocean views of Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach at a Notable Encounter dinner with the musicians, as they provide insight into these works from Beethoven, Borodin, and Schumann.

Finally, on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m., it all comes together: experience the full works with new ears in a concert at the United Methodist Church in San Luis Obispo.

Tickets for individual events are sold separately, and range from $22 to $125. Tickets can be purchased online at festivalmozaic.com, by phone at 781-3009, or in person at 2050 Broad St., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.