Michael Stern, conductor

Xavier Foley, double bass and composer

MAURICE RAVEL Le Tombeau de Couperin

XAVIER FOLEY Soul Bass

ANGEL LAM New Work (world premiere)

BENJAMIN BRITTEN "Four Sea Interludes"

MAURICE RAVEL Boléro

Deeply affected by the loss of life in World War I, Maurice Ravel’s homage to the Baroque world of François Couperin commemorates six friends who died in combat. Decidedly not somber or grim, Le tombeau stands as a tribute to the world’s beauty and the value of human life in contrast to the depredation of war.

Featured soloist Xavier Foley is a double bass double threat — virtuoso player and imaginative composer. He’ll wow you with stellar technique and win your heart with gorgeous sound. With a seemingly effortless blend of classical sensibilities and jazz creativity, Foley’s music is mesmerizing.

The Kansas City Symphony is excited to be the lead orchestra for the commission of a new work by Angel Lam. Her fearless exploration of tone, colors and respect for her Chinese heritage results in music that will captivate you with its incredible variety.

Maestro Stern and the Symphony reprise their brilliant Grammy® Award-winning recording of “Four Sea Interludes” from Benjamin Britten’s haunting opera Peter Grimes. Britten’s gripping music portrays the human drama and power of the sea with stunning effect. This adventuresome program includes beloved masterworks, exciting new pieces and thrilling sounds at every turn.

The program closes with one of Ravel’s most popular works: Boléro. Expertly orchestrated, the work’s insistent rhythm and singular melody undergo a miraculous transformation, from whisper-soft beginning to thunderous ending.