Ravel & Debussy | Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 2027

Secure the best seats at the best price by subscribing early!

KEY DATES

Early Bird Renewal Deadline
Monday 7 September, 9am

Renewing Subscribers' Deadline
Wednesday 7 October, 9am

Individual concerts available to purchase from
Wednesday 14 October, 10am

Sit back and relax – Ravel didn’t want you to take this too seriously.

Known to absorb the musical influences around him, jazz was the subject of Ravel’s most recent musical love affair as he composed the effervescent Piano Concerto in G.

After touring the United States for six months, he incorporated the hustle and bustle of American life into his latest piece by way of syncopated rhythms and blues-inflected harmonies. Ravel famously referred to the concerto as a “luxurious diversion” and didn’t want the audience to dwell on any prospective profundity. So do as the man said and don’t think too hard about it – let MSO favourite Alexandra Dariescu divert your imagination to Ravel’s New York in the late 1920s.

Ravel’s humility rubbed off on his close friend, Germaine Tailleferre, who composed her wholly unpretentious Ballade for Piano and Orchestra in 1920. Often overshadowed by her peers’ work but entirely worth a second look, the Ballade perfectly sets the scene for this program of Parisian playfulness and beauty.

The atmosphere shifts with Debussy’s La Mer, restless and mysterious, before ending with another of Ravel’s reflections on a musical fascination, this time the Viennese waltz. But don’t expect to be dancing in the aisles! La valse turns feverish and distorted, ending in orchestral chaos. Yutaka Sado makes his debut with the MSO in this performance.

Tailleferre Ballade for Piano and Orchestra

Ravel Piano Concerto in G

Debussy La Mer

Ravel La valse

Free Program Collection

Gold Friends of the MSO can present their membership cards which can be shown to program sellers to redeem a free program. Subscribers can also present their ticket to redeem their free program.

Geelong Arts Centre is the authorised ticket seller for all events sold by Geelong Arts Centre across multiple locations. Tickets purchased from unauthorised re-sellers may be cancelled without notice and/or the holder may be refused admission to the Event. For more information about ticket safety visit https://geelongartscentre.org.au/safe-tickets-guide/

Geelong Arts Centre is a venue for hire and the views, information, content, or opinions expressed through a hirers marketing material and during the event are solely those of the hirer.