Piano Quartet in E-flat Major K. 493
An ambitious and richly conversational work for piano, violin, viola, and cello, balancing dramatic energy with exceptional lyricism.
THE INAUGURAL CONCERT · DECEMBER 1, 2026
1786: Mozart in Vienna
Music and cuisine from an extraordinary year in Mozart’s life.
An intimate afternoon of Mozart’s vocal and instrumental chamber masterpieces, interwoven with an elegant dining experience inspired by eighteenth-century Vienna.
AN INTIMATE PRIVATE SETTING✦SIX DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS✦ATTENDANCE LIMITED TO 40 GUESTS
01 / THE EXPERIENCE
An extraordinary year.
An unforgettable afternoon.
In 1786, Mozart was at the height of his creative powers in Vienna. Three remarkable compositions from that single year form the heart of our inaugural concert.
Experience chamber music at close quarters, where every musical gesture can be heard and felt. After the performance, enjoy a multi-course dinner inspired by the flavors and traditions of Mozart’s Vienna.
Presented in a beautiful private residence in San Antonio Tlayacapan. The precise location will be shared with confirmed guests.
02 / THE MUSIC
Three masterpieces.
One remarkable year.
Each work was composed in 1786, revealing a different dimension of Mozart’s genius.
Trio in E-flat Major “Kegelstatt” K. 498
Mozart’s intimate and inventive dialogue for clarinet, viola, and piano—one of chamber music’s most distinctive combinations.
“Ch’io mi scordi di te?” K. 505
One of Mozart’s most deeply expressive concert arias, this very personal work creates a beautiful dialogue between soprano and obbligato piano that combines operatic passion with the intimacy of chamber music.
03 / THE ARTISTS
Meet the artists.
Six musicians come together for an exceptional afternoon of chamber music.
Blythe Walker
Soprano
Acclaimed soprano Blythe Walker has enjoyed a distinguished international career in opera, musical theatre, and concert performance. A Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winner, she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1988 under James Levine.
Michael Ruszczynski
Piano
American composer and pianist Michael Ruszczynski has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning orchestral, chamber, vocal, and film music. His compositions have been performed by leading American orchestras, and his honors include the prestigious ASCAP Rudolf Nissim Prize.
Susanne Bullock
Clarinet
Canadian clarinetist Susanne Bullock has performed internationally as an orchestral musician, chamber artist, soloist, and educator. A former principal clarinetist with orchestras in Canada and Australia, she remains an active performer and advocate for chamber music in Lake Chapala.
Vidal González
Violin
Guadalajara-born violinist Vidal González combines a rich Mexican musical heritage with distinguished classical training. A former concertmaster of the Zapopan Youth Orchestra, he performs widely as an orchestral and chamber musician and teaches at the University of Guadalajara.
Saulo Guardado
Viola
Mexican violist Saulo Guardado has performed with leading orchestral and chamber ensembles in Mexico and Canada. A graduate of the University of Montreal, he has held several principal viola positions and is an enthusiastic champion of contemporary chamber music.
Joel Chávez
Cello
Mexican cellist Joel Chávez serves as Principal Cello of the Higinio Ruvalcaba Chamber Orchestra at the University of Guadalajara. An accomplished performer and educator, he is equally committed to cultural initiatives that advance classical music and nurture emerging musicians.
04 / THE DINNER
A taste of Vienna, 1786
An evening inspired by the flavors of Mozart’s Vienna, thoughtfully reimagined for our table at Lake Chapala.
Natural and sparkling waters and other non-alcoholic beverages are included; punches and wine are available for purchase.
TO BEGIN
A selection of canapés
Mini mushroom tartlets
Smoky sausage bites with mustard dipping sauce
Chicken liver pâté crostini with onion marmalade
THE SALAD
Mixed tender greens
A delicate mix of tender greens and spring onions, lightly dressed in a bright honey-mustard vinaigrette—a refreshing balance of sweetness and gentle tang.
THE MAIN COURSE · YOUR CHOICE
Braised brisket or sea bass
Braised brisket with red wine gravy and horseradish cream
Sea bass with lemon, caper, and parsley butter sauce
ACCOMPANIMENTS · WITH EITHER ENTRÉE
From the garden
Braised red cabbage with apples
New potatoes with parsley butter
Carrots with honey butter and caraway seeds
DESSERT · YOUR CHOICE
A sweet finale
Sachertorte — rich chocolate cake with apricot preserves and chocolate glaze
Almond-lemon cake with lemon glaze (gluten-free)
Coffee to follow
TO RAISE A GLASS
Warmth and good cheer
Glühwein — warm, gently spiced mulled wine with citrus
Weihnachtspunsch · alcohol-free — a festive spiced punch made with diluted hibiscus syrup in place of wine
Austrian red and white wines
Natural and sparkling waters and other non-alcoholic beverages are included; punches and wine are available for purchase.
THE CULINARY PARTNER
Vista Grande Catering Company
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Vista Grande Catering Company brings restaurant-quality cuisine to private homes and special events. Led by Alicia Merrell, the company creates freshly prepared, thoughtfully composed menus for occasions of every size—pairing bold yet balanced flavors with beautiful presentation and a genuine spirit of hospitality. Every dish is designed to delight the senses and nourish both body and soul.
05 / JOIN US
An invitation to something special.
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 · 4:00 PM
Private home · San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco
Attendance limited to 40 guests · Advance reservation and payment required
After concert expenses, we will donate net proceeds to local charitable initiatives.
$1,800 MXNper person
Checking ticket availability…
06 / OUR PHILOSOPHY
Great music. Close to home.
The Lake Chapala Chamber Music Society brings exceptional musicians and audiences together through intimate, thoughtfully curated performances in the Lake Chapala community.
Music with a Purpose
The Lake Chapala Chamber Music Society is dedicated not only to presenting exceptional musical experiences, but also to contributing to the community we call home.
After covering the expenses of each concert, we intend to direct net proceeds toward local charitable initiatives, with particular interest in music education, opportunities for young musicians, and greater access to the performing arts.
We believe that great music enriches lives—and that its impact can extend well beyond the concert itself.