Join Bristol Ensemble and Fitzhardinge Consort on a grand tour of France, taking in two of the timeless pinnacles of French classical music, both shiningly original, deeply dramatic and powerfully moving in their own distinct way.

Programme

Fauré Requiem
Ravel Bolero

Fauré’s Requiem holds some of the most beautiful and recognisable melodies the composer ever wrote. Far from the sombre tone of many requiems it seems to evoke a serene, very human sense of wonder grounded in a vast, celestial universe.

Ravel’s Bolero, by contrast – built from a single theme that came to the composer before a dip in the sea – has an irresistible rhythmic drive that builds into a breathtaking, thrilling crescendo – made famous by Torvill and Dean’s legendary ice skating routine at the 1984 winter Olympics. This will be an epic performance for orchestra and choir, approximately one hour in length (7-8pm, or 9-10pm). Vive la musique!