Created exclusively for Tugan Sokhiev, a maestro renowned for his sensitivity, mastery of color, and rhythmic precision, this programme marks a return to the Franco-Prussian roots that have defined our orchestra since its formation over a century ago. A coming together of artists at the highest level: The illustrious pianist Bertrand Chamayou performing Camille Saint-Saëns’ Concerto No. 2 – humorously but undeservedly described as a composition that “begins like Bach and ends like Offenbach!” by the witty George Bernard Shaw, who was never short of such repartees. The new season will commence in a brilliantly captivating style with the opening piece by Ravel: Alborada del gracioso, a fusion of elegance and a virtuosic showcase of orchestral composition. Ravel received an excellent education and was inspired by Russian musicians, in particular the rich tones of Rimski-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a beloved masterpiece in the OSR’s repertoire that moved Ravel to create two works of the same title.