London Philharmonic Orchestra

Colourful French favourites
The Labèque sisters play Poulenc

Pierné Overture and Suite, Ramuntcho*
Poulenc Concerto for two pianos and orchestra
Ravel Rapsodie espagnole
Debussy La mer

Juanjo Mena: conductor
Katia Labèque: piano
Marielle Labèque: piano
London Philharmonic Orchestra

* Supported by Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française.

Spanish conductor Juanjo Mena makes his London Philharmonic Orchestra debut in four distinct musical works from France, and the odd French glance over the border to Spain. The surging currents and surface spray of Debussy’s La mer stand in total contrast to the punchy, knockabout attitude of Poulenc’s acerbic Concerto for two pianos. Ravel’s lifelong affection for Spain radiates through every bar of his red-hot Rapsodie espagnole, and to begin comes music by France’s precursor to Serge Rachmaninoff, Gabriel Pierné. His incidental music to Pierre Loti’s 1897 novel-turned-play Ramuntcho is full of the passion, fervour and local colour of the play’s Basque Country setting.