French Culture, French Tradition, Franco-American Friendship

The French Symphony of Boston is the only musical organization in Boston truly dedicated to the propagation
of French Culture and to the celebration of Franco-American friendship.


 

THE ORCHESTRA MISSION

 

1. To promote French Culture and Tradition.

2. To promote Franco-American friendship and celebrate the rich cross-cultural heritage of both countries

3. To feature Boston area soloists.

4. To integrate orchestral music to other art traditions.

5.  To educate the youth in the rich Franco-American musical tradition.

6.  To provide a unique forum for French and American composers and artists to present their works

 

 

 

Orchestra Area Coverage

The orchestra has a double objective.

  1. To fulfill its mission locally by serving the New England community.
  2. To tour the US, Canada and Europe

 

Programming Innovation

The orchestra constantly uncovers new grounds in its programming of French and American music.

  1. First orchestra in the United States to present the reconstituted original version of the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré.
  2. First orchestra to perform in Boston Fauré's masterpiece "Caligula" (scene music composed for the play by Alexandre Dumas Junior, and written for a full scale symphony orchestra and woman's chorus). For that occasion, the orchestra invited to Boston theworld-renowned Maîtrise Gabriel Fauré from Marseille, France, recipient of numerous world class recording awards.
  3. First orchestra to perform in Boston the “Suite on French Popular Themes for oboe and orchestra” by Vincent D'Indy.
  4. Performed world premieres:
    1. “Adagio for Orchestra” by French composer Pierre Lantier
    2. “Les Deux Syrinx  Ballet”, (Pierre Lantier)
    3.  “Oboe Concerto” by Paul Nieske, a Boston composer.
  5. Performed unusual repertoire and crossed musical boundaries:
    1. US premiere of the “Irish Famine Suite” by Lennon, performed with traditional Irish band from Ireland (remembrance of the Potato Famine, the Irish immigration to the US and the Franco-Irish cooperation).
    2. Performance with Donna Summer and her musicians (kick-off fund-raising campaign for the University of Massachusetts in Boston.
  6. Re-introducing repertoire rarely played in New England:
    1. Le Tombeau de Couperin and the Piano Concerto in G Major by Maurice Ravel, “Le Festin de l’Araignée” by Albert Roussel, the “Divertissement” by Jacques Ibert,
       

Celebrating Freedom:  The Esplanade Concerts

The purpose of this major musical event of the Boston summer marks not only the falling of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789 but also the common historical and cultural heritage between France and the United States and the celebration of our common freedom.

The French Symphony has performed for the Bastille celebration at the Hatch Shell Esplanade in Boston in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.Those highly successful concerts
presenting works by French and American composers were attended by audiences in excess of 15,000 people.
Especially important to the organization was the celebration by the orchestra on  July 14, 1999 of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s death. A poignant homage was rendered to this American hero and great friend of France.

After an interruption due to unfavorable conditions, the
orchestra is once again resuming this summer tradition, and is planning for the 2007 Bastille Day Celebration on the Esplanade.

 

Chamber Music

The orchestra presents chamber music series:

  1. Chamber Music Evening Series from 1996 to 2001
  2. Chamber Music Events:
  •         Fête de la musique celebrations (yearly since 1999).
  •         Fête de la francophonie (participation in events and celebrations).
  •      Concerts for the Armenian Cultural Center, the
    French Library and     Cultural Center in Boston, Boston schools, Ligue Francophone, Club Richelieu, Roumanian Pavel Foundation, Waltham Public Library.

"Géométrie Variable"

Or the concept of “variable geometry” was developed in France in the 1970s as a way of adapting an orchestra structure to the needs of the community its serves.
In effect, such a group can perform large classical orchestral pieces as well as small chamber music works. It can use any form and shape of ensemble, allowing it to extend its activities to a larger musical sphere, crossing musical and artistic boundaries.

The possibilities are then limitless: the orchestra can perform as part of multi-arts and multi-media presentations, without hall and size limitations, presenting multiple programs, from early music to jazz, incorporating theatre, ballet, jazz, rock, painting and cinema ingredients in its performances.

The French Symphony defines itself as a Variable Geometry Orchestra and as such is a very versatile organization. The versatility is seen not only in the ability of its musicians to adapt to all forms of music and all performing situations, but also in the organizational ability to “switch gears” quickly and work successfully with other art organizations from different background and objectives.

This formula allows for the orchestra to fulfill its mission throughout New England, regardless of budgetary constraints
and logistical limitations. This is to keep in harmony with the goals and the vision of music director founder Patrick Botti. The musical performance is enhanced by the integration of other art forms. Musical art then becomes alive and creativity can flow unaltered.