California Symphony presents FRENCH IMPRESSIONS at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek on Saturday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 27 at 4:00 p.m. Often categorized as “impressionist composers”, Debussy and Ravel were the two most important and influential French composers of the early 20th century. Nostalgic and fantastical, Ma mère I’Oye (Mother Goose) is Ravel’s charming musical homage to scenes from fairy tales including Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and the Enchanted Garden. The French theme continues with an arrangement of three harpsichord pieces by Baroque master Couperin by present day composer Thomas Adès. Former resident composer Katherine Balch premieres Illuminate, which weaves the words of 18th century French poet Rimbaud with their English translation throughout the piece.

Location: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Conductor: Donato Cabrera

Featured Artists: Katherine Balch, Kelly Guerra (mezzo-soprano), Molly Netter (soprano), Alexandra Smither (soprano)

Program: Thomas Adès— Three Studies from Couperin; Balch—Illuminate (World Premiere); Debussy—Danse (orch. Ravel); Ravel—Ma Mère l'Oye (Mother Goose)

Tickets can be purchased at:  https://www.californiasymphony.org/shows/french-impressions/