Mozart as a Point of Departure: Curiosity, Courage, and Curatorial Learning in PGMF 2026

This paper examines the curatorial development of PGMF2026, Mozart and Beyond, which sought to create a conversation with Mozart through his legacy rather than celebrate his legend. To make that conversation possible with the historical artist rather than only his cultural myth, the festival first reintroduced Mozart as a working musician shaped by family, patronage, social change, ambition, insecurity, and professional survival. The study combines dialogic curation as its curatorial framework, practice as inquiry as its research approach, and an SROI-informed theory of change as a complementary outcome framework. Six interconnected lenses, Sound, Question, Method, Drama, Inheritance, and Shared Culture, formed six modes of dialogue: revoicing Mozart, speaking back critically, working with his improvisatory methods, translating his dramatic forces, reconsidering his inheritance, and returning his music to social occasion. Drawing on curatorial documentation, artist conversations, 53 audience survey responses, and interviews with Thai creative partners, the study found that 92.5% rated increased access highly, 94.3% rated happiness or inspiration highly, and 84.9% reported greater likelihood of future cultural participation. Partner evidence identified accelerated experimentation, expanded audiences and networks, and continued professional use beyond the event. However, understanding of the complete curatorial arc was less consistent than emotional engagement. The paper concludes that canonical repertoire becomes more relevant when the historical figure is humanised, the legacy is opened to reciprocal artistic response, and local practitioners shape the terms of encounter rather than decorate a completed concept.