In 1766, Lyon welcomed the greatest composer of all time! Just picture him, a fragile silhouette at the harpsichord, agile fingers dancing over the keys, bright eyes peeking out from beneath an oversized wig. On this day, August 13, 1766, in Lyon, a ten-and-a-half-year-old boy takes the stage. His name is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Yes, THE Mozart. Accompanied by his father Leopold, a musical marketing maestro ahead of his time, and his sister Nannerl, also a prodigy, young Wolfgang stops in the capital of the Gauls for what is just a brief stop on their journey back to Salzburg after a long European tour.
© « Little Family Portrait » by Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle in 1764
A Month-Long Stay in Lyon with a Concert to Remember
For four weeks, the little family strolled through the bustling shopping streets of Lyon, made some connections in the charming local society, and most importantly, they put on a concert at the Maison du Concert, a venue nestled not far from the current Saint-Bonaventure church, which has since been replaced by the stones of the Palais du Commerce. This place, built in 1724, could host around 250 privileged guests, seated amidst balconies, boxes, and stage areas. However, that evening, there was neither a sensational review nor a dramatic announcement: the appearance of the genius in short pants unfolded with relative discretion. Almost like a well-kept secret.
The Concert House is located to the right of the current Saint-Bonaventure church © Municipal Library of Lyon
Yet, it's a rare moment, a forgotten piece of history nestled in the twists of the 18th century, brought back to life by a few passionate individuals and researchers digging through archives. In a time when selfies didn’t exist, the memory of this concert has only survived in fragments, quiet echoes of a note played between two rivers. So the next time you walk by Place de la Bourse, lend your ear. Who knows, you might just hear a hint of harpsichord resonating from another time...
