Orchestre Métropolitain presents

Symphonic Waves: Alma and La Mer

The sun rises over La Mer, Debussy’s most well-known orchestral work. Seamless symphonic colours, texture and nuance paint the changing seas. In three sketches, La Mer presents vivid portraits of light, violent winds and a return to peace at sea.

With the voice of internationally renowned Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin, Alma Mahler’s work takes centre stage. The Viennese composer drew upon poignant and passionate verse by some of the greatest poets of her generation to craft a delicate and chromatic piece. In its orchestral arrangement, the composition’s sensual moments are intensified and elevated. The program opens with Barcarola, an early composition from Brooklyn-based Italian American Paola Prestini, internationally recognized for her music and innovative ideas.

Kensho Watanabe, conductor

Emerging onto the international stage over the past few years, Kensho Watanabe is fast becoming one of the most exciting and versatile young conductors to come out of the United States. Most recently, Kensho was recognized as a recipient of a Career Assistance Award by the Solti Foundation U.S.  He held the position of Assistant Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra from 2016 to 2019, and during this time, made his critically acclaimed subscription debut with the Orchestra and pianist Daniil Trifonov, taking over from his mentor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He would continue on to conduct four subscription concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2019, in addition to debuts at the Bravo! Vail Festival and numerous concerts at the Mann and Saratoga Performing Arts Centres.

Watanabe has previously been the inaugural conducting fellow of the Curtis Institute of Music from 2013 to 2015, under the mentorship of Nézet-Séguin. An accomplished violinist, Mr. Watanabe received his Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music and served as a substitute violinist in The Philadelphia Orchestra from 2012 to 2016.

Program
Paola PRESTINI, Barcarola
Alma MAHLER, Seven Lieder (orch. Matthews)
DEBUSSY, La Mer

Maison Symphonique
Friday, April 8, 2022 at 7:30pm

To purchase your tickets visit: www.placedesarts.com