This concert offers a rich journey through the legacy of French music, spanning over two centuries of stylistic evolution-from the Baroque elegance of Lully and Rameau, through the Romantic sentiment of Massenet, to the lyrical modernism of Lili Boulanger. Presented in the 250th year since the American Revolution, the program also honors the deep historical ties between France and the United States, celebrating the cultural heritage of a nation that stood alongside the American colonies in their struggle for independence.

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Try to recall the last time you attended a choral concert that featured music by a French composer performed in French? It does not happen often, which is precisely why we are presenting an entire program devoted to the music of France through the ages, including:

• “Entrée des Zéphyrs,” from the early Baroque opera Atys by Jean-Baptiste Lully, the favorite court composer of the Sun King Louis XIV

• “Les Djinns,” composed by Gabriel Fauré to the text of Victor Hugo’s tempestuous poem

• “Hymne au soleil,” a celestial 20th century paean by Lili Boulanger, a prodigy who died at the age of 24

This program offers a rare opportunity to experience the elegance, color, and expressive depth of the French choral tradition in a single evening.

— Sergei Pavlov, Artistic Director of Festival Choir

All ticketholders are invited to attend a pre-concert talk with Artistic Director Sergei Pavlov, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Join us after the concert for a complimentary Pi Day reception with French silk pie and champagne!