On 29 November, the Astana Ballet Theatre Symphony Orchestra will perform again under the direction of Christophe Mangou, a French maestro known for his innovative approach, refined taste, and ability to combine classical traditions with a modern sound.
This is the maestro’s second collaboration with the Astana Ballet Orchestra. Their first concert together, held last October, was a huge success, receiving the most enthusiastic responses from the audience, DKNews.kz reports.
“I am so happy to be back to Astana to conduct such an amazing program. To open it, a very nice and light piece by Debussy, “petite suite”, followed by an absolute masterpiece: the so well-known Sibelius violin concerto, that I am so happy to conduct with Kalamkas as soloist! We will finish the concert with a fantastic symphony, by César Franck, Belgian composer. The huge orchestra is used there as a big organ (C. Franck was organist) and even if this is not a program music, the cyclic form of the entire piece (for example, the melodies from the first movement coming back in the last movement) is telling us a real and deep story, as a model of perfect musical architecture” Christophe Mangou
This evening will feature performances of pieces by three renowned European composers: Claude Debussy, Jean Sibelius and César Franck. Debussy’s light and transparent Petite Suite will provide a gentle introduction to the concert. Its watercolour tones and subtle harmonies create an atmosphere of French Impressionism – light, elegant and poetic. The Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor, one of the most expressive and dramatic concerts in the history of academic music, will follow. This piece sees inner fire breaking through icy northern lyrics, with virtuoso passages juxtaposed with deep, almost confessional intonations. The soloist, Kalamkas Jumabayeva, will unveil the intricate and compelling character of these compositions by transforming each piece into a poignant emotional experience.
The evening will conclude with César Franck’s monumental Symphony in D Minor, which is based on the principle of cyclicity. Key themes return in the finale, creating the feeling of a large, single arch. The symphony progresses as a transition from profound contemplation to a radiant and uplifting finale, with the orchestra manifesting as a unified living entity, characterised by a rich timbre and profound inner strength.
Christophe Mangou continues to push the boundaries of classical music by collaborating with leading ensembles and artists around the world, including Britten Sinfonia and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked on unique projects with Jeff Mills, which have been presented at major venues such as Salle Pleyel in Paris, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Barbican in London and the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, as well as on stages in the USA, Australia and Japan. It is a significant honour for the Astana Ballet Theatre to welcome the maestro once again and to present his work, which combines classical, jazz and modern musical forms, to the Kazakh public.
