In 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette, born in Chavaniac in Haute-Loire, made a farewell tour of the United States in memory of his participation in the American War of Independence. Two hundred years later, the National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes wants to follow in the footsteps of Lafayette. He will be touring the United States in April.
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“The Anonymous Lover”, written by the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a contemporary of Lafayette, is an ideal overture for the Orchester national d’Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to celebrate the adventures of the Marquis in America. Lafayette helped the Americans win their independence against England and this Auvergne remains their favorite French hero. Lila Forcade, general director of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes National Orchestra, explains: “It is very impressive to see that in the United States, he is celebrated as a great hero. He is the foreigner who came to fight alongside them for ideas of freedom, independence and courage. Everything that is being organized right now for the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour is incredible. We decided to do our Lafayette tour, 200 years later”.
-In 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette, born in Chavaniac in Haute-Loire, made a farewell tour of the United States in memory of his participation in the American War of Independence. Two hundred years later the National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes wants to follow in the footsteps of Lafayette. They will be touring the United States in April. Speakers: Lila Forcade, general director of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes National Orchestra / Thomas Zehetmair, principal conductor of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes National Orchestra
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©V. Mathieu / R. Ho-A-Chuck / A. After
In April the musicians will travel across the United States, from New Orleans to Pennsylvania. The concert includes works by the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Mozart and Beethoven, including a contemporary piece that the conductor himself composed. This American program is like a trip back in time. Thomas Zehetmair, principal conductor of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes National Orchestra, underlines: “As a performer, as a conductor, as a violinist, all styles interest me. Sometimes it’s interesting to see old times with new eyes”.
So as not to forget Auvergne, the Orchestra will play this program for the first time on Sunday January 19 at the Puy-en Velay theater – then Tuesday January 21 at the Clermont opera house before crossing the Atlantic.
