Elizabeth Llewellyn

Jérémie Rhorer

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Immerse yourself in an evening of enchanting melodies and vibrant symphonic colors with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's "French Fantasies" concert. Scheduled for Thursday, 9 May 2024, at 7:30pm, this captivating performance will take place at the prestigious Symphony Hall in Birmingham, promising an unforgettable auditory journey.

Under the baton of guest conductor Jérémie Rhorer, the orchestra, along with the CBSO Youth Chorus, will explore the rich tapestry of French musical impressionism and beyond. The concert will feature a selection of works that showcase the full spectrum of the symphony orchestra's colors, from the subtle hues of Debussy to the bold, gleaming symphony of Stravinsky, composed during his time in wartime LA.

Adding to the evening's allure, British soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn will grace the stage with her rendition of Ravel’s luscious "Shéhérazade." Described by critics as a voice of pure operatic joy, Llewellyn's performance is eagerly anticipated and promises to be a highlight of the concert.

The program includes Debussy's "Nocturnes" and "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune," Ravel's "Shéhérazade," and Stravinsky's "Symphony in Three Movements," offering a diverse and engaging lineup that spans the emotional and expressive range of French and French-inspired music.

Tickets for this mesmerizing concert are priced between £26 and £59, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 for tickets priced over £15. Attendees can also take advantage of various discounts, including reduced ticket prices for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients.

The concert is expected to last approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of the music.

In addition to the main event, concertgoers are invited to a FREE pre-concert piano recital by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Pianists, taking place on the Symphony Hall Main Stage from 6:15pm. This prelude to the evening's main performance requires no additional ticket and offers a perfect start to an evening of musical delight.

Join us for "French Fantasies" and let the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, along with its distinguished guests, transport you through starry nights and exotic voyages, all through the power of music.