Église Saint-Joseph-Artisan de Paris

Almost unknown in France, Stanford, who was at the origin of the symphonic revival in the United Kingdom and Ireland, was eclipsed by his illustrious contemporary Edward Elgar. He was influenced by Brahms and his works were performed at the time by Hans von Bülow, Hans Richter and Gustav Mahler. Professor at the Royal College of Music in London, he had among his students some of the leading British composers of the twentieth century: Frank Bridge, Arthur Bliss, Herbert Howells, John Ireland, Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Dyson, Ernest John Moeran.

The concert will include the Concerto for clarinet (which will be performed by the young and brilliant Christelle Pochet, who has just joined the Orchester National de France) and the Seventh (and last) symphony.

The concerto for clarinet by Stanford was played only once in France (in Brest 22 years ago, by Philippe Cuper and the orchestra of Brittany, and never since!), and Symphony No.7 will be given in first hearing in our country.