Poulenc the Poet

Poulenc: Flute Sonata
Milhaud: Duo concertante
Poulenc: Trio
Poulenc: Elegie
Poulenc: Oboe Sonata
Milhaud: Pastorale for oboe, clarinet and bassoon
Poulenc: Sextet

Daniel Bates, oboe
Karen Jones, flute
Michael Collins, conductor/clarinet & piano

Poulenc and Darius Milhaud were members of ‘Les Six' a group of early 20th century French composers, who worked in Montparnasse and challenged the status quo of European classical music. Poulenc was particularly fond of woodwind instruments and his chamber music is full of clarity, simplicity, and grace, while Milhaud brought a natural elegance and charm to his woodwind compositions, combined with an incredible harmonic sophistication. Our Principal Conductor Michael Collins conducts as well as performing as soloist on both the clarinet and piano, alongside City of London Sinfonia woodwind principals.