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Debussy’s impressionistic symphonic tone poems, La mer and Ibéria, take center stage in this all-French–Iberian-peninsula program. Mezzo-soprano Angela Brower is the soloist for Berlioz’s cantata Cléopâtre, on the first of her two weeks with the TSO, and Maestro Gomez introduces the music of Olivier Messiaen with the grief-stricken Le tombeau resplendissant.
For his depiction of La mer (“The Sea”), Debussy drew inspiration from visual art, notably Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The composer’s kaleidoscope sense of musical color mirrors the vibrant colors of the Japanese woodblock print. While also impressionistic, Ibéria is a more concrete musical depiction of Spanish rhythms and flair, evoking notable praise from Spanish composer Manuel de Falla.
Berlioz’s Cléopâtre, studded with lush orchestral sections and dramatic vocal writing, is a showpiece for the vocalist as she depicts the heroine’s final moments. Individual event tickets go on sale August 1, 2025. This concert is available as part of a Classic Series or Create Your Own Subscription. This concert will be preceded by Concert Comments, a pre-concert talk, beginning one hour before each performance. Linda Ronstadt Music Hall has a clear bag policy. Read more about this venue. Despite writing an entire piece about it, Debussy had only spent a few hours in Spain! This will be the first time the music of Messiaen (1908–1992) is presented on the Classic Series! Cléopâtre won second prize at Berlioz’s third attempt at winning the Prix de Rome. He successfully won first prize the following year, guaranteeing him a year in Rome and funding for 5 years.Plan Your Visit
Music Notes
In partnership with the Tucson Desert Song Festival.
