Event

LUCO 18|19 - Concert 4

Debussy:Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
Ravel: Alborada del gracioso
Schumann: Cello Concerto
Debussy: La Mer

Christophe Chagnard, conductor
Michael Center, cello

This program is a tribute to my affinity for French music and its most celebrated creators Debussy and Ravel. If I had to pick the quintessential French composition, I would choose Debussy's mesmerizing Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, which stunned its audience when it was first performed as a ballet in 1894. I fondly remember our first performance of this treasure and the stellar performance of Virginia Knight, our principal flute playing this most famous solo. Another LUCO star will take the stage for this concert with principal cellist Michael Center who once again will share his great musicianship performing Schumann's flamboyant concerto. Debussy's La Mer was another major achievement for LUCO. Bringing this infinitely refined classic to life took great patience and resilience, and the performance was one of my favorite moments. I very much look forward to our second exploration of Debussy's orchestral apotheosis.

- Christophe