SBS Youth Orchestra – French Connection September 22, 2007

Paris in the 19th Century was the arts capital of the world. Painters, writers and composers were drawn to the thriving artistic community and every musician of worth had to perform there. The concert titled “French Connection” from the SBS Youth Orchestra will transport you to Paris through the magic of their music. It plays for one show only on September 23 at 3pm at Riverside Theatres.

Bizet’s opera Carmen, though set in Spain, is filled with the passion of bohemian life in the Paris demi monde. Tchaikovsky toured to Paris as a conductor in 1888. His superb symphonic poem Francesca da Rimini, inspired by Dante’s Inferno, is the story of adulterous lovers murdered by a jealous husband, a theme which resonated with the risqué Parisian society. Saint-Saëns music was renowned for his graceful melodic invention and elegance of form. He was one of the most influential of the French composers of the impressionist period of which The Romance for Horn - featuring soloist Alex Love - is an excellent example.

Debussy’s exquisite prelude Afternoon of the Faun was inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé is poem. It later formed the basis for the controversial ballet by Vaslav Nijinsky. The composition is one of Debussy’s most famous works. The languorous melody and shimmering orchestration evoke the eroticism of the poem while the free form composition is considered a turning point in the history of music.

The SBS Youth Orchestra was formed in 1988 by Russian-born conductor Matthew Krel. It is unique in that one of its aims is to give young musicians experience in performing for national broadcast on television and radio. Its members are aged 12-24, and the orchestra reflects the best principles of multiculturalism, from the composers they play, the countries it tours and the culturally diverse backgrounds of all of the players. The orchestra tours extensively with past visits to Macau, Japan, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Finland, China and Estonia. In September 2008 there will be a European Tour to Germany and France.

SBS Youth Orchestra – French Connection
VENUE: Riverside Theatre, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
DATE & TIME: Sunday September 23 at 3pm
SINGLE TICKET PRICE: Adults $27, Concession $24, 30 & Under $21
BIG NOTER PRICES: Adults $24, Concession $21, 30 & Under $18
BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Official Website: http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au