Chamayou leikur Ravel - Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands

Chamayou leikur Ravel - Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands

Harpa | Eldborg, Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík Directions

Thu 10.09.2026 19:30

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra's new artist in residence, pianist Bertrand Chamayou, and conductor and soprano Barbara Hannigan, will be the focus of this diverse concert that has an undeniable strong French air. Chamayou will play two compositions by his compatriots from France that both possess unique nuances. The songs of exotic birds from America and Asia inspired Olivier Messiaen to compose a colourful work for piano, wind instruments, and percussion, while Ravel's primary concern was to write a light and enjoyable piano concerto in which the soloist could shine. The composer drew inspiration from the folk music of his ancestors in the Basque Country and conjures up lively motifs and one of the most beautiful slow movements in piano literature. Arthur Rimbaud's poems were the inspiration for Benjamin Britten's composition, Les Illuminations. They tell us that the big city is at least as wild as the jungle! Waves breaking on the shore, lively parades, and magical lights illuminating dancing lovers in the evening twilight. Barbara Hannigan and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra's string ensemble perform this powerful masterpiece.

Program:

Albert Roussel: Le Festin de l'araignée / The Spider's Feast

Olivier Messiaen: Oiseaux exotiques / Exotic Birds

Benjamin Britten: Les Illuminations

Maurice Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major

Conductor:

Barbara Hannigan

Soloist:

Bertrand Chamayou