F  R  I    2  0    A  U  G  ,    7  P  M

Xavier de Maistre

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“A global phenomenon credited with single-handedly redefining the image of the harp"

- ABC CLASSIC

“It is his depth of tone and variety of colour that beguile... instantly amazing anyone who listens”

- GRAMOPHONE

“A master of his craft who refutes the long-existing biases of the instrument through quick anticipation, intelligence, and tremendous skill"

- JAPAN ARTS

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French superstar, and the man who put the harp on the map, comes to Snow.

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Programme

PESCETTI Sonata in C minor for Harp

TARREGA Recuerdos de l’Alhambra

DE FALLA Spanish Dance

DEBUSSY Clair de Lune

SMETANA La Moldau

– Interval –

FAURÉ Impromptu for Harp in D flat, Op. 86

DEBUSSY Arabesque No. 1

DEBUSSY Arabesque No. 2

RENIE Legende, D’après des elfes de Leconte de Lisle

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It’s no exaggeration to say French harpist Xavier de Maistre has completely transformed the image of his instrument. In his hands, rather than being in the back corner of an orchestra or a wedding gathering, the harp is the main character of the stage; it’s an instrument championing familiar pieces of classical music and an instrument of sheer strength, power, contrasts, and mesmerising textures.

Japan Arts said of de Maistre that he’s “a master of his craft who refutes the long-existing biases of the instrument through quick anticipation, intelligence, and tremendous skill,” and Gramophone noted that “his depth of tone and variety of colour beguile [and] instantly amaze anyone who listens.”

Experiencing de Maistre’s performances really is believing, so don’t miss his concert of spellbinding works for the harp by late 19th Century and early 20th Century masters, including beloved French impressionist Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy, at Snow.