This racy programme presents spectacular classics highlighting the influence of the Paris Jockey Club in the nineteenth century.

At that time Paris was one of the great musical capitals of Europe, with French opera at the forefront in terms of spectacle and grandeur, especially with its inclusion of elaborate dance interludes. The young, egocentric aristocrats of the Jockey Club insisted on the insertion of these extravaganzas in every new opera and would disrupt proceedings if they failed to get an opportunity to see their favourite ballerinas on the stage. Even Verdi and Wagner were forced to add lengthy dance spectacles to their operas for Parisian premières.

For this concert, Resonance Ensemble, along with soprano Helen Charlton, presents a programme of overtures, arias and ballet music inspired by the demands of the Paris Jockey Club, with music by Auber, Offenbach and Massenet, as well as works by our conductor Tony Ryan.

Programme

Auber Overture to Le Cheval de Bronze

Offenbach Ah! Quel Diner from La Perichole

Le Jugement de Pâris from La Belle Hélène

​Ryan TBC

Massenet Symphonie (Prelude to Act IV of Werther)

Va! Laisse Couler mes Larmes from Werther

Pleurez mes Yeux from Le Cid

Ballet Music from Le Cid