A prize-winning maestro from an early age, Lionel Bringuier conducts this typically colourful programme, beginning with George Gershwin鈥檚 1928 symphonic poem. Described by the composer as 鈥榯he most modern music I have ever attempted鈥�, An American in Paris is a heady love affair with the city, its bluesy melodies rubbing shoulders with tooting taxi horns. Its popularity inspired the hit movie of the same name, with Gene Kelly starring in its lavish climactic ballet. The spirit of the dance also animates two of Bringuier鈥檚 other concert choices: Albert Roussel鈥檚 witty and agile ballet score to The Spider鈥檚 Feast was the biggest hit for this unjustly neglected composer, whilst Ravel鈥檚 spectacular Poeme Choreographique, La Valse turns the Viennese waltz into a symbol of decadent societal decline, its whirling figures spiralling into oblivion.
Rachmaninov鈥檚 much-loved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was written in the autumn years of his career, and after his composing had been largely overshadowed by his fame as a performer. But its freshness and ingenuity speak volumes for his undimmed powers of invention, not to mention his unrivalled dexterity as a pianist. Its deft lyricism is tailor-made for our soloist, Nottingham-born Clare Hammond, recently praised by the 大象传媒 Music Magazine for her 鈥榮himmering pianism and lightly-worn virtuosity.鈥�