Rising French conductor, Samy Rachid, will step in as replacement conductor for Auckland Philharmonia’s upcoming concert, The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Joie de Vivre, on Thursday 12 September.
Making his Australasian début, Rachid will conduct this concert’s enchanting programme that includes works by French composers Ravel, Saint-Saëns, and Poulenc, as well as Japanese composer, Takemitsu, for whom French music was a significant inspiration.
Sparkling Swiss pianist, Louis Schwizgebel, will take the stage as the soloist for this concert. Schwizgebel will perform Saint-Saëns’ Second Piano Concerto, a vibrant piece that commands astonishing virtuosity from the pianist.
Rachid is currently concluding the first of a two-year term as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Andris Nelsons, the same position he previously held at Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg. He has also served two seasons as Conducting Fellow at the prestigious Verbier Festival, working with such renowned conductors as Zubin Metha, Gianandrea Noseda and Klaus Mäkelä.
Samy Rachid will replace the previously advertised, Nodoka Okisawa, who has withdrawn for personal reasons. The programme and concert title are unchanged.
The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Joie De Vivre
7:30pm, Thursday 12 September
Auckland Town Hall
Conductor Samy Rachid
Piano Louis Schwizgebel
Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin
Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No.2
Takemitsu Three Film Scores for Strings
Poulenc Sinfonietta