Abstract
Sailor and composer is a rare professional combination, but the programme of our next Brunch & Lunch Concert unites two composers, both of whom were also graduates of the Marine School: Albert Roussel decided to embark on a musical career only after several years at sea, Jean Cras was commander of various ships and always took a piano on board for composing. But the compositions of this concert do not sound like the rough life at sea: the contemporary music critic Roland Manuel wrote about Roussel's Serenade for Flute, Harp and String Trio that «this music makes more use of its grand wings than its feet», and the Poèmes de Ronsard and Jean Cras' Quintet are also of a playful transparency that fits more into a Parisian salon than into a harbour pub. The musicians are Alina Adamski (Soprano), Pamela Stahel (Flute), Julie Palloc (Harp), Vera Lopatina (Violin), Karen Forster (Viola) and Xavier Pignat (Cello).