Seattle Symphony: Ravel Mother Goose

Seattle Symphony

Friday, January 31, 2025 @ 12:00pm – 1:45pm (PST)

Benaroya Hall – S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Seattle, WA, United States

$36-$136

Gabriel Fauré — Suite from Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 80
Benjamin Attahir — Concerto for Piano and Harp (Seattle Symphony co-commission)
Maurice Ravel — Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet, M. 46
Maurice Ravel — Ma Mere L'Oye ("Mother Goose") Ballet, M. 62 (complete)

Conductor Emeritus Ludovic Morlot returns to the podium with our continuing Ravel celebrations this season as we mark the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth. Benjamin Attahir's newly commissioned work for pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Principal Harp Valerie Muzzolini is inspired by sketches Ravel made for Morgiana, an Arabian Nights ballet. Then, two Ravel jewels. Firstly, a showcase for harp in the Introduction and Allegro, which he wrote to demonstrate the capacities of a new, modern harp design. And then the beloved Mother Goose, performed here in its entirety. Ravel captures all the vivid enchantment of fairytale scenes—from dazzling Chinese pagodas to the comically stilted conversation between the elegant but timid Beauty (clarinet, of course!) and the gruff, bassoon-voiced Beast.

Pre-concert talk presented one hour prior to each performance. Free with ticket purchase.

Runs Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

About Seattle Symphony

Recognized as one of the "most vital American orchestras" (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives, and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, and two Emmy Awards, and was named Gramophone's 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle.

https://www.seattlesymphony.org/