9.45pm, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, NG1 5ND
After Hours: Connesson (follows the performance of Connesson by the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, 7.30pm)
With Emma Richards, viola
Connesson: Initials Dances
Ravel: Valses Nobles et Sentimentales
Connesson: Constellation de la Couronne Boréale (for viola and piano)
A concert featuring two pieces by French composer Guillaume Connesson and a classic work by one of his influences, Maurice Ravel. The three Initials Dances from 2001 demonstrate Connesson’s varied influences. They are named ‘R’ for Rameau, ‘S’ for slow in a passionate minuet and finally ‘FK’ for Funk in a wild, rhythmic piece. More dances follow, with Ravel’s elegantly sensual waltzes, written in homage to Schubert in 1823. Connesson’s 2007 piece ‘Constellation Corona Borealis’, said to be where the souls of kings, poets and musicians seek refuge after death, mixes a glittering ascension and a descent into darkness.