The international Bachtrack website is in the process of uploading its global database of classical music programs for the upcoming season.
Although it isn’t an exhaustive listing of every professional group, the site covers nearly all of the major orchestras, opera and ballet companies around the world, making it the “go-to” resource for information about what’s happening on the classical music calendar. (Having one of the most robust and easy-to-use search mechanisms of any website of its kind is an added plus.)
The 2018/19 season is just now coming into focus – and we see that four important compositions of Florent Schmitt will be presented by orchestras in Buffalo, Norfolk and Québec City, conducted by JoAnn Falletta and Fabien Gabel.
It’s a bit of a twist this season — in that North America will be experiencing the majority of Schmitt concerts — and it may be the first time when Europe doesn’t represent the largest share of musical activity. Of course, it’s early days yet and I’m quite sure that more European concerts will come to light.
Several of the events are particularly notable. The Buffalo Philharmonic pieces will be recorded by NAXOS (including one commercial recording premiere), while the Virginia Symphony Orchestra presentation of Antoine et Cléopâtre will feature actors from Shakespeare’s Globe in London performing a dramatic adaptation of Schmitt’s music in conjunction with a “filleted” version of the Bard’s drama.
And for those North Americans who would like to partake in a rare opportunity to experience Schmitt’s blockbuster choral masterpiece Psaume XLVII live, the Québec City performance promises to be a gala occasion, featuring MET opera star Lisette Oropesa and the OSQ Orchestra + Chorus along with a gathering of arts dignitaries — complete with red-carpet runway.
Listed below are details on the upcoming season’s concerts, along with links for more information about the performances and to reserve tickets.
June 9-10, 2018
Schmitt: Antoine et Cléopâtre, Suite No. 2, Op. 69b (1920)
Debussy: Khamma
D’Indy: Istar
Ravel: Shéhérazade
Roussel: Padmâvatî, Suite No. 2
Orchestre de Paris, Fabien Gabel, conductor
Measha Brueggergosman, soprano
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March 2-3, 2019
Schmitt: Musique sur l’eau, Op. 33 (1898/1911)
Schmitt: La Tragédie de Salomé, Op. 50 (1907/10)
Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano
Buffalo Girlchoir
Sarah Chang, violinist
(Schmitt selections being recorded for release on the NAXOS label)
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May 17-19, 2019
Schmitt: Antoine et Cléopâtre: Suites Nos. 1 & 2, Op. 69 (1920)
(Dramatic adaptation by Bill Barclay)
Virginia Symphony Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Actors of Shakespeare’s Globe (London)
Bill Barclay, director
(Virginia Arts Festival Production)
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May 29, 2019
Schmitt: Psaume XLVII, Op. 38 (1904)
Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17 (selections)
Berlioz: Tristia, Op. 18
Debussy: Claire de lune
Thomas: Hamlet: Ophélie’s Scene and Aria (Mad Scene)
Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, Fabien Gabel, conductor
Lisette Oropesa, soprano
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More information on these upcoming concerts can be found on the Bachtrack site, or on the web pages of the six orchestras (click or tap on the orchestra names above).
In the coming weeks, it is likely that additional concerts featuring Florent Schmitt’s music will be announced for the upcoming season. They will be added to the listing above as soon as the information becomes available.