Created exclusively for Tugan Sokhiev, a maestro renowned for his sensitivity, mastery of color, and rhythmic precision, this programme marks a return to the Franco-Prussian roots that have defined our orchestra since its formation over a century ago. A coming together of artists at the highest level: The illustrious pianist Bertrand Chamayou performing Camille Saint-Saëns’ Concerto No. 2– humorously but undeservedly described as a composition that “begins like Bach and ends like Offenbach!” by the witty George Bernard Shaw, who was never short of such repartees. The new season will commence in a brilliantly captivating style with the opening piece by Ravel: Alborada del gracioso, a fusion of elegance and a virtuosic showcase of orchestral composition. Ravel received an excellent education and was inspired by Russian musicians, in particular the rich tones of Rimski-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a beloved masterpiece in the OSR’s repertoire that moved Ravel to create two works of the same title.

Tugan Sokhiev conductor
Bertrand Chamayou piano

Maurice Ravel
Alborada del gracioso, for orchestra
Camille Saint-Saëns
Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
Intermission
Nikolaï Rimski-Korsakov
Scheherazade, Symphonic Suite for Orchestra, Op. 35