Nodoka Okisawa, conductor

Stewart Goodyear, piano

Louise Farrenc: Symphony No. 3

Maurice Ravel: Piano Concerto for Left Hand

Francis Poulenc: Suite from Les biches (The Does)

Louise Farrenc was a trailblazing concert pianist and the only woman appointed as professor of piano at the Paris Conservatory in the nineteenth century. She composed orchestral symphonies and overtures and was best known for her chamber works. Her final symphony, No. 3, is an energetic example of Farrenc’s uniquely expressive and significant voice.

Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto on this program was written for pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm during World War I. The premiere of this work for left hand only was met with instant acclaim.

Francis Poulenc’s ballet Les Biches (The Does) was choreographed by the innovative Bronislava Nijinska and premiered by the Ballets Russes. Often translated literally, the ballet actually depicts the flirtations of a group of young people (not deer) at a house party on a summer afternoon and the music is witty, elegant, and satirical.