Adam Walker – flute
Timothy Ridout – viola
Anneleen Lenaerts – harp

Maurice Ravel (arr Silverthorne) Le Tombeau de Couperin Listen
André Jolivet Petite Suite Listen
Claude Debussy Sonata for flute, viola, and harp Listen
Jacques Ibert Deux Interludes Listen
Claude Debussy Syrinx for solo flute Listen
Louis Vierne Deux Pièces (for viola and piano) Listen
Arnold Bax Elegiac Trio Listen
Maurice Ravel (arr Salzedo) Sonatine Listen

Claude Debussy’s trio sonata put the combination of flute, viola, and harp into the spotlight, creating a beautiful sound world brimming with new sonic possibilities. On completing his trio, Debussy described the music in a letter to a friend “I can’t say whether one should laugh or cry. Perhaps both at the same time?” Regarded as one of the masterpieces of the chamber music repertoire, this seminal work is simultaneously melancholic and joyful.

Arnold Bax and André Jolivet were inspired to write for flute, viola, and harp, which together capture the atmosphere of rural paradise. Sparkling arrangements of major works by Maurice Ravel open and close this programme.

This concert is the third of six in the Leeds International Chamber Season 2023/24: French Connections. Click ‘The Season’ tab to find out more information about the season, or view all concerts on our website.

Photo credits: Christa Holka, Matthew Johnson and Andrej Grilc.