RAVEL & POULENC

Ensemble K places the tradition of French classical music at the heart of its artistic mission. Since its founding, the ensemble has endeavored to highlight the elements that make this repertoire a unique treasure : meticulous exploration of timbres, temporal flexibility, the sensuality of phrasing, and the musical breath that endows these works with their singular sophistication.

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This concert, part of a residency entirely dedicated to French music, brings together an expanded formation of Ensemble K, where each soloist takes on the role of section leader, surrounded by exceptional musicians from the ensemble's wider circle. For this evening, we have the privilege of collaborating with two guest soloists, Leticia Moreno (violin) and Lise de la Salle (piano) who will bring their sensitivity to iconic works by Maurice Ravel and Francis Poulenc.

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The program opens with the delicate and introspective Pavane pour une infante défunte, a true portrait of Ravel’s French essence, marked by elegance and refined melancholy. The Piano Concerto in G major, performed by our first guest soloist, then explores American and jazz influences, masterfully integrated by Ravel into this vibrant piece. The second part begins with the flamboyant Tzigane, where our second guest soloist delves into Ravel's Spanish influences, offering a captivating dialogue between virtuosity and gypsy tradition. Concluding the program, the sparkling and charming Sinfonietta by Francis Poulenc transports the audience into a sound world full of lightness, irreverence, and brilliance, reflecting the bold and unique spirit of the composer.

This concert, held in the iconic Théâtre de l'Odéon — a historic venue that had not hosted classical music for decades — exemplifies Ensemble K’s commitment to revisiting and celebrating a rich repertoire of traditions while allowing it to resonate with renewed modernity. 

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Repertoire :

• Pavane pour une infante défunte – Maurice Ravel

• Piano Concerto in G major – Maurice Ravel (Guest soloist)

• Tzigane – Maurice Ravel (Guest soloist)

• Sinfonietta – Francis Poulenc