The impact left on music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is enormous, and this year marks the 250th anniversary of this musical genius' birth.

The OU School of Music plans to recognize this special occasion on Saturday with an afternoon of celebrations. At noon, there will be a gourmet birthday cake competition in Grayce B. Kerr Gothic Hall. Then, at 1 p.m., Mozart's 250th Birthday Bash will be held at Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, followed by Mozart's 250th Birthday Concert and Celebration at 8 p.m.

Jeongwon Ham, piano professor, said the birthday bash will include both dramatic and concert performances by people from the piano department of the OU School of Music.

Mozart's 250th Birthday Celebrationo Noon: Birthday Cake Display at Grayce B. Kerr Gothic Hallo 1 p.m.: Birthday Bash, free and open to the public, Paul F. Sharp Concert Hallo 8 p.m.: Birthday Concert, $8 for adults, $5 for students, OU faculty/staff and seniors

"The play is about Mozart and his father, whose name is Leopold Mozart," said Ham. "They talk about the music and how the father taught his son, and then the students play pieces composed by Mozart when he was four years old."

The birthday bash will conclude with birthday cupcakes for the audience.

Barbara Fast, associate professor of piano, said that the concert and celebration held later in the evening would be a more formal event that will showcase some of Mozart's greatest works.

"There will be a solo and two piano works performed," said Fast. "It is going to be really special to hear the two piano works performed. It is very interesting."

After the concert, the winner of the birthday cake competition will be announced, and the audience will be treated to a slice of cake.

This celebration kicks off the College of Fine Arts' fundraiser to buy new pianos for the School of Music.

Dr. Steven C. Curtis emphasized the importance of this celebration in a press release. "This is Mozart at his best," he said. "The day will be tremendous fun for all who participate, and the gala concert will provide an evening of beautiful music with striking contrasts. It will have something for every music lover."
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