An Intimate Evening on Madison Avenue
Renowned soprano Kathryn Lewek thrilled members of the American Mozarteum Society (AMS) on Wednesday night with a captivating private performance. Hosts Andrew Hawkins and Lisa Walsh-Hawkins, joined by their daughter, Lauren Walsh, opened their Madison Avenue residence to nearly 70 guests for an evening of champagne and chamber music.
A Mission Rooted in Mozart’s Heritage
Andrew Hawkins spoke passionately about the Society and its purpose. “This wonderful society is intrinsically linked with the heritage of Mozart. It’s something very dear to our hearts, and it needs support,” he said. “We put on events so you get to experience things in a way that is uniquely uplifting, enlightening, informative, and simply enjoyable. We support it as much as we can, but if you listen to this, enjoy it, and feel moved, then becoming a member or coming to one of our events would be extraordinarily welcome.”
A Friendship Born in Salzburg
Lisa Walsh-Hawkins recalled how the couple first came to know the celebrated soprano. “Andrew and I first met Kathryn at Mozart Week this past January, where she was singing the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute,” she said. “Needless to say, she absolutely brought the house down. She has sung the role more than 350 times around the world, including a record 85 performances right here at the Metropolitan Opera.”
Three Arias, One Premiere
Lewek performed three arias for the evening’s guests: “Ah, forse è lui” from Verdi’s La traviata, “Come scoglio” from Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and “Martern aller Arten” from Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail.
The performance of “Come scoglio” held special significance, marking the first time Lewek has sung the aria before an audience. The occasion offered guests an exclusive preview of her highly anticipated role debut as Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte.
Relationships That Define a Career
Reflecting on the evening, Lewek spoke warmly about the bonds she has formed throughout her career. “This career has brought me all over the world, and my journey has been defined by the relationships and friends I have made, Lisa and Andrew among them,” she said. “It’s only been a year, and we’re already family.”
What’s Next for Kathryn Lewek
Lewek’s upcoming engagements promise an exciting season ahead. She will return to the role of Konstanze in Die Entführung aus dem Serail at Deutsche Oper Berlin in December 2026. She will then make her role debut as Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte at Mozart Week in Salzburg, running January 22 to 29, 2027.
Distinguished Guests
Among the many guests in attendance were board members Kimberly Allan and her husband, Rob Allan, as well as Marta de Radzyminski.
Upcoming Programs
The American Mozarteum Society’s upcoming programs include a private chamber concert in Palm Beach, as well as exclusive member events during Mozart Week in Salzburg.
About the American Mozarteum Society
The American Mozarteum Society is the U.S. affiliate of the International Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg, Austria. The Society supports the Foundation’s work preserving and promoting the legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through performance, education, and cultural exchange.
For more information, visit mozarteum-us.org.
For details on Mozart Week in Salzburg, visit https://mozarteum-us.org/mozart-week-2027/.
