Concert

Myung-Whun Chung conducts Berlioz, Poulenc, and Saint-Saëns — With Martha Argerich, Nicholas Angelich, and Christophe Henry

Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France: Tribute to Myung-Whun Chung at the Roman Theatre of Orange

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Cast

Martha Argerich — Pianist

Nicholas Angelich — Pianist

Christophe Henry — Organist

Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France

Myung-Whun Chung — Conductor

Program notes

In 2015, the marvelous Myung-Whun Chung stepped down as music director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, following a lauded run of 15 years in that prestigious position. For his momentous farewell concert, he and his ensemble performed this blockbuster outdoor concert in one of the world's most glorious venues, the Roman Theatre of Orange in the south of France!

Maestro and orchestra begin with Berlioz's rousing Roman Carnival Overture before two piano legends—Martha Argerich and Nicholas Angelich—join them onstage for a one-of-a-kind rendition of Francis Poulenc's lively, jazzy Double Piano Concerto, inspired by sources as varied as Mozart, Ravel, and Balinese gamelan music. Chung—also a celebrated pianist—joins the dynamic duo for an unforgettable six-handed encore by Rachmaninov, and then leads the orchestra in Saint-Saëns's beloved "Organ" Symphony No. 3, featuring the acclaimed Christophe Henry. The final pièce de résistance is the Overture from Bizet's Carmen, perfect for the French setting, the exact sort of musical fireworks befitting this final chapter of a celebrated collaboration.

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