Enchanting melodies, a poignant narrative, and a subtle dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions shape the sublime Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto. Inspired by a legend of star-crossed lovers, this iconic work from the Chinese repertoire unfolds with vibrant orchestral richness. The FILMharmonique Orchestra, under the baton of Francis Choinière, featuring violinist Guillaume Villeneuve, will bring out the full depth of this score for an evening where emotion meets virtuosity.
The program will also feature the world-premiere of Concerto for Pipa and Orchestra “Dragon” by Quebecois composer Christian Thomas, performed by renowned pipa player Liu Fang. One of the most prominent pipa players in the world, she has been described as the “empress of pipa” (L’actualité) and “an ambassador of Chinese music, but above all an ambassador of soul and musical spirituality” (La Scena Musicale).
Program:
Concerto for Pipa and Orchestra “Dragon”, Christian Thomas
– Intermission –
Butterfly Lovers, He Zhanhao and Chen Gang
The Firebird Suite, Igor Stravinsky (1919 version)
- Conductor:
Francis Choinière
- Performed by:
FILMharmonique Orchestra
- Soloist (Pipa):
Liu Fang
- Soloist (Violon):
Guillaume Villeneuve
- Duration:
1h40 with intermission
- January 30, 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:10 pm. Maison symphonique, Montreal, QC