ULSTER ORCHESTRA 2017/8 SEASON: RAVEL’S PIANO CONCERTO

Stravinsky Dumbarton Oaks

Ravel Piano Concerto in G

Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances


Antony Hermus CONDUCTOR

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet PIANO


Ravel aimed to write something light and fanciful when he started work on his Piano Concerto. Echoes of jazz run throughout it and the slow movement confirms the composer as a master of melody. To perform it, a master of Ravel: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

“…But the CD’s raison d’etre is the Ravel. Bavouzet’s G major concerto is the best since Michelangeli’s 50 years ago: it has style, verve, poetry and balance…” **** (The Financial Times)

Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances combine 20th century rhythms inspired by Stravinsky and Prokofiev with his own penchant for big tunes. While Rachmaninov was inspired by the new guard of the time, Stravinsky was inspired by the old guard, creating Dumbarton Oaks after listening to Bach.

Free pre-concert talk at 7pm with conductor Antony Hermus. All welcome.