Martinu, Stravinsky & Ravel
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In poker terms, you might call this programme a ‘three of a kind’. Stravinsky’s ballet Jeu de Cartes from 1937 shows how the highest cards, i.e. the most important people, can be beaten by the lower ranks. In a year when dictators were putting the finishing touches to their destructive plans, the message was clear. The Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest and Santtu-Matias Rouvali tame the tumultuous, rhythmic score. At their invitation, Queen of Hearts Sol Gabetta plays Martinu’s Cello Concerto, a cordial meeting between Bohemia and France. Ravel wrote one of the most beautiful odes to the morning in music history with Lever du jour from Daphnis et Chloé. Think breakfast in bed – with champagne!