RNCM Symphony Orchestra

Thomas Mignon Overture* | Shostakovich Cello Concerto No 1 in E flat major Op 107** | Ravel Daphnis et Chloé

We are sorry to announce that Yan Pascal Tortelier is indisposed and regrettably no longer able to conduct this concert. However, we are pleased to announce that Martyn Brabbins replaces him to conduct Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé.

Described by Stravinsky as ‘one of the most beautiful products in all of French music’, Daphnis et Chloé is among Ravel’s finest achievements. The work’s opulent orchestration, yearning melodies and sumptuous harmonic colouring combine with great rhythmic drive to create one of the composer’s most masterful statements.

Based on a pastoral drama by the Greek poet Longus, the scenario for the original ballet was devised by Michel Fokine, a classically trained dancer and choreographer. Set in a meadow at the edge of a sacred wood where sheep graze and nymphs frolic, the tale unfolds of the love between the young shepherd Daphnis and his beautiful Chloé who is abducted by pirates but eventually rescued through the intervention of Pan, the shepherd-god of Arcadia. The story ends with the lovers’ blissful reunion.

Alongside contributions by Ambroise Thomas and Ravel, tonight’s programme is completed by Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto, performed by one of our Concerto Competition winners, Waynne Kwon.