An exploration of orchestral colour, showcasing the 20th century masters of orchestration

April 5, 2017

We're excited to be welcoming back guest conductor Leo Geyer for our summer concert in June featuring Harpist Olivia Jageurs. Here Leo shares a little more about the programme for this concert which we know will be a wonderful evening - "This programme is an exploration of orchestral colour, showcasing the 20th century masters of orchestration. Opening with two neo-classical dances originally written for piano, and beautifully orchestrated in both cases by Ravel. Continuing with the dance theme, Debussy’s harp concerto will be performed by the award-winning young virtuoso Olivia Jageurs.

The first half will conclude with Ravel’s explosive La Valse which many argue sets out to destroy the Viennese Waltz. Rimsky-Korsakov’s symphonic poem Scheherazade, Op. 35 comprises the second half of the concert and tells the middle Eastern folk tale One Thousand and One Nights. This love story is told through transformations of leitmotifs and dazzling orchestral colour."

Leo Geyer, who is guest conducting WSO for our summer term, pictured above with the EMG Symphony Orchestra which is based in Devon