Karajan-Akademie der Berliner Philharmoniker
evening
Founded almost fifty years ago as part of the Berlin Philharmonic, the Karajan-Akademie prepares Europe’s most talented young performers to be orchestra musicians.
Tonight, they are guided by the sure baton of the French conducting prodigy, Lionel Bringuier. For his second appearance in Aix, the youngest ever winner of the Besançon conducting competition has chosen a programme that blends the bright colours of Ravel’s Tombeau de Couperin – the 20th century’s homage to baroque dance – with the delicate melodies for voice and orchestra of Berlioz’ Les Nuits d'été (Summer Nights), sublimated by Alix Le Saux’s gorgeous voice.
Finally, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, one of the most classical of his famed nine opuses, closes a vital, brilliant evening of music.
Karajan-Akademie der Berliner Philharmoniker
Lionel Bringuier, conductor
Alix Le Saux, mezzo-soprano
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Le Tombeau de Couperin (The Grave of Couperin)
Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
Les Nuits d’été (Summer Nights), Op. 7
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 4 in B♭ major, Op. 60