Le carnaval des animaux

Julie Depardieu, narrator Da-Min Kim and Dali Feng, violins Magali Demesse, viola Xavier Chatillon, cello Virgile Aragau, flute Valentin Favre, clarinet Jean-René Da Conceicao, double bass Mathieu Schaefer, percussion Vladik Polionov and Olivier Lechardeur, pianos

Composed in 1886 in a small Austrian village for a Mardi Gras concert, Le Carnaval des animaux was later performed in private homes in Paris. Concerned about his reputation as a serious musician, Saint-Saëns opposed its public performance, with the exception of “The Swan.”

After the composer’s death, this “zoological fantasy” became his most famous work. In particular, “Aquarium,” which opens every session of the Cannes Film Festival.

A master of absurd humor, Francis Blanche wrote a playful text that has never been surpassed. Around star soloist Da-Min Kim, soloists from the Marseille Philharmonic Orchestra join pianists Vladik Polionov and Olivier Lechardeur, along with the talented Julie Depardieu.

Long live our four-legged friends!

Program

Mozart and Grieg Sonata No. 16 K 545 (arrangement for two pianos)

Camille Saint-Saëns Le Carnaval des animaux