Farnborough Symphony Orchestra - La mer, Prélude à l'après midi d'un faune

Farnborough Symphony Orchestra's new season begins with a concert of works by late 19th/early 20th century French composers, and particularly commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Debussy. Debussy's 'La mer', the main work of the evening, was premiered in Paris in 1905 and quickly became one of the composer's most admired and frequently-performed orchestral works. Described by Debussy as "three symphonic sketches", it draws inspiration from seascapes in art and literature. His 'Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune', with which the concert opens, was inspired by a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé and is one of Debussy's most famous works. The concert also includes music by fellow impressionist, Maurice Ravel, Ernest Chausson and child prodigy, Lili Boulanger.

We are thoroughly delighted to welcome Scott Wilson as guest conductor for the concert. Scott is a London-based Australian who has held the positions of Fellow in Conducting and Artist in Residence at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He will be joined by mezzo-soprano Janet Shell, who has sung in many major concert venues around the UK and abroad in opera, oratorio and recital. We look forward to performing with them in what will be a thoroughly Gallic evening.