New York, NY, August 2, 2026. Maryann Marston opened her Southampton residence to The American Mozarteum Society (AMS) and its supporters for an intimate summer concert, hosted alongside Kimberly Allan, Ellie Manko Libby, and Marta de Radzyminski. The evening blended classical performance with literary readings, drawing together longtime members, board leadership, and friends of the organization for an afternoon devoted to Mozart’s enduring legacy.
A Mission Rooted in Legacy
Andrew Hawkins, President of AMS, addressed guests with characteristic warmth. “We are a small organization, but with a big heart, and a big brand,” he said. “Our mission is to preserve and embellish the beautiful legacy that Mozart’s widow and children entrusted us with.” Hawkins emphasized that the Society’s dual commitment to historical stewardship and audience development, particularly among younger listeners, forms the foundation of its case for philanthropic support.
Hawkins was joined by his wife, Lisa Walsh, and daughter, Lauren Walsh, both of whom traveled from the family’s camp in Upstate New York to attend. “We endeavor to ensure that our supporters and members have fun,” Hawkins continued. “There are, after all, so many charitable organizations to support, but I can almost guarantee that few will deliver as much joy and passion back to their supporters as we do.”
Music and Literature Intertwined
The evening’s centerpiece was a performance by the Boho4 String Quartet, co-founded by Maryann Marston’s close friend, Jessica Tortorice. The quartet performed Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, K. 421, with the performance interwoven with live readings from Dutch author Anna Enquist’s novel Kwartet. The pairing offered guests a layered experience, connecting Mozart’s chamber music to a contemporary literary meditation on the same repertoire, before the evening continued with cocktails and canapés on the terrace.
A Gathering of Supporters
Board members in attendance included Kimberly Allan, Jonathan Marder, Marta de Radzyminski, and Lauren and Lisa Walsh. They were joined by a wider circle of guests, among them Rob Allan, Lisa and Rome Arnold, Patricia L. Francy, Laura and Jim Freeman, Debi and Steve Harnik, Amanda Holmen, Ellie Manko Libby, Linda Maguire and Don Heimstaedt, Maryann Marston, Christl Meszkat, Charlotte and Andrew Pilaro, and Sabine Riglios.
What Lies Ahead for AMS
The Southampton concert marks one stop in a busy season for the Society. This December, AMS will host a rare concert at a private home in Palm Beach featuring Mozart’s original violin, an event expected to draw significant interest given the instrument’s historical significance. New York members will also be invited to a private dinner with tenor Rolando Villazón, along with a cocktail party and recital featuring soprano Kathryn Lewek, both taking place in December.
Perhaps the Society’s most anticipated tradition remains its annual presence at Mozartwoche, or Mozart Week, in Salzburg. This year’s program runs from January 21 through 31, offering members a chance to experience Mozart’s birthplace directly, in partnership with the International Mozarteum Foundation. Program details are available at mozarteum-us.org/mozart-week-2027.
About The American Mozarteum Society
The American Mozarteum Society is dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the United States through performance, education, and cultural exchange. As the American affiliate of the International Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg, Austria, the Society serves as a bridge between Mozart’s birthplace and the communities inspired by his music today. Through concerts, educational initiatives, and scholarly programs, AMS continues to foster appreciation for Mozart’s lasting influence on both classical tradition and contemporary culture. More information is available at mozarteum-us.org/about.
