Friends and Neighbors: A Musical Address in Old Vienna

Experience a unique musical journey to the heart of 18th-century Vienna, centered around a single, extraordinary apartment building: the Grosses Michaelerhaus.

This special performance celebrates with gratitude the long creative partnership between the Whidbey Island Arts Council and the Whidbey Island Music Festival, which is now an independent 501(c)3 organization. Just as the residents of the Michaelerhaus formed a vibrant community of musical riches, our local organizations come together to bring world-class artistry to the Whidbey community.

TICKETS COMING SOON

The Program: One Roof, Four Legends

In the 1750s, the Grosses Michaelerhaus was a vertical microcosm of musical history. This concert brings to life the sounds that once echoed through its grand salons and hallways:

• Nicola Porpora: The crusty Italian master and famed singing teacher.

• Joseph Haydn: The young, struggling "Papa" Haydn, who served as Porpora's valet and accompanist in exchange for lessons.

• Marianna Martines: The brilliant composer and keyboardist who lived in the stately middle floors and studied with both Haydn and Porpora.

• W.A. Mozart: Their frequent visitor and dear friend, whose musical genius was nurtured by the musical traditions cultivated within these walls.

Why This Concert Matters

"Friends and Neighbors" is more than a historical retrospective; it is a tribute to the power of artistic proximity. It highlights how mentorship, shared space, and friendship can spark a cultural revolution.

By featuring the works of the under-recognized Marianna Martines alongside her more famous neighbors, we celebrate the full breadth of the Viennese spirit.

Join Us

Come celebrate the harmony of our own neighborhood. Whether you are a longtime supporter of the Arts Council or a devotee of the Whidbey Island Music Festival, this afternoon of chamber music promises elegance, storytelling, and a deep sense of connection.