Alain Altinoglu

Franck, Ravel, Saint-Saëns

From insurance adverts to that insufferable beep test, few classical compositions have been abused as much as the Bolero. Maurice Ravel deserves better, so La Monnaie presents this instantly recognisable ‘study in orchestration’ in its big symphonic reopening concert. The work will be presented together with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, for which the composer drew inspiration from, among other things, popular jazz styles of his time. Our Music Director, Alain Altinoglu, leaves the solo part in this piece to Cédric Tiberghien, before getting behind the keyboard himself to play the joyful Carnaval des Animaux (The Carnival of Animals) by Camille Saint-Saëns. He will then embark on his in-depth exploration of the Belgian symphonic repertoire with César Franck’s Le Chasseur Maudit: a reckless hunter disturbs the peace of the sabbath and is eternally damned. You have been warned: attend this concert on a Sunday at your own peril!