On Friday, October 2, PBS will broadcast the third episode in Season 2 of its Great Performances Series, “Now Hear This”. The episode, “Becoming Mozart”, features Festival Mozaic’s Music Director, Scott Yoo as host/presenter. This entire program was filmed in San Luis Obispo County, CA., home to Festival Mozaic.
As a co-executive producer and host of the “Now Hear This” series, the first series about classical music on prime-time American television in 50 years, Yoo has traveled from Vienna to Montreal, Berlin to Philadelphia, London to New York City and beyond to explore beloved works by the world’s greatest classical composers.
Now, San Luis Obispo County on California’s Central Coast is being showcased with that illustrious lineup of music capitals and viewers will have an opportunity to learn why Festival Mozaic has endured and grown over 50 years. As Yoo says, “San Luis Obispo is a special place. All our musicians, including me, love coming here to perform. The weather, the venues, the people, the food, the wine and beautiful music all combine to create an immersive, intimate, and personal experience. Hosting this episode of “Now Hear This” in San Luis Obispo is one way to show my appreciation for all that Festival Mozaic and San Luis Obispo County have meant to me.”
2020 is the Festival’s Fiftieth Anniversary year. The 50th Anniversary musical program was thoughtfully composed to include surprises, special group performances and many first-time Festival performers, including Christian McBride, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 quarantine caused the Golden Anniversary season to be postponed until July 17-30, 2021.
Festival Mozaic began in 1970 as the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival and the classical repertoire is still central to its mission. It has been bringing together world class musicians from throughout the country who gather and perform in multiple venues throughout San Luis Obispo County. The Festival has become an integral part of the San Luis Obispo community and enjoys a broad base of support.