Main Stage Concert: La Belle France (San Francisco) October 13, 2012

Benjamin Simon, conductor
Karla Ekholm, bassoon

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 31 in D major, K. 297 ("Paris")
Jean Francaix: Divertissement for Bassoon & String Orchestra
Francois Couperin: Les gouts reunis
Maurice Ravel: Le tombeau du Couperin

From the country that brought us the baguette, the bikini, and beryllium comes some of the most delicious, beautiful, and brilliant music ever written.

Francois Couperin (1668-1733), an influential Baroque composer and organist for King Louis XIV, blended Italian and French styles in a series of works he called Les gouts reunis, or "Styles Reunited." Two hundred years later, the great Romantic composer Ravel penned Le tombeau du Couperin in homage to his fellow Parisian. In 1778, a 22-year-old Mozart traveled to Paris and was inspired to write his delightful 31st symphony, nicknamed "Paris." To round off our program, bassoon virtuosa Karla Ekholm performs the quirkily entertaining Divertissement by one of our favorite 20th century French composers, Jean Francaix (1912-1997).

Classical masterpieces, unusual gems, and new commissions offer something for everyone at our Main Stage Concerts! Be sure to join Maestro Ben Simon for an engaging and informative onstage talk 30 minutes before each concert. Concerts are generally 90 to 120 minutes in length, with an intermission.

Admission is free to all concertgoers! Seating is first come, first served (no tickets). Doors open to supporting members 60 minutes before concert time, and to non-members 45 minutes before concert time. Supporting members receive priority entrance and priority seating. Please bring your membership card, and please arrive no later than 15 minutes before concert time to help us ensure your seating.

Official Website: http://www.sfchamberorchestra.org/events/mainstage/