Richard Stoltzman & Menahem Pressler along with the New York Chamber Soloists Orchestra

Presented by UCLA Live, Mozart and Brahms were well represented at Royce Hall Saturday for a concert featuring pianist Menahem Pressler, clarinetist Richard Stoltzman and the New York Chamber Soloists Orchestra.

What a couple of personalities these two guys are! It was revealed that Pressler is 86 years old, and during his opening salvo of the Mozart G Major Piano Concerto No. 17, he joyously led the Orchestra through the beautiful piece as he swept along on the piano. The house was full and was treated to the inimitable maestro leading us along on this musical journey.

Stoltzman was up next, performing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, and to this review, it was the highlight of the night. Playfully and romantically journeying through the piece, his playful persona was revealed as he rolled along the ups and downs of the piece as if on a journey down a peaceful river.

After the intermission, the two gentleman came back with piano and clarinet at the ready for Brahms’ Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. They played off and with each other with ease, bringing the house down to calls of encore. Truly a beautiful night.