“This special occasion marked the most significant travel event in the history of our university music and probably also one of the most important for the university ensembles in northern Germany,” said Mariano Chiacchiarini, University Music Director at the University of Bremen, who conducted the concert together with his colleague from the Sorbonne, orchestra director Nicolás Agulló.

The University of Bremen Orchestra and Choir joined forces with the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra for an extraordinary gala concert in Paris. It was an impressive sight: Around 300 musicians and singers from Bremen and Paris performing in honor of Gabriel Fauré and Giacomo Puccini.

Both composers, whose 100th anniversaries of their passing will be observed in 2024, were honored with a special musical tribute. Together, the ensembles presented Puccini's ambitious early work, “Messa di Gloria,” which already hints at the composer's theatrical creativity. In addition, three works by Fauré were performed that reflect the expressiveness and depth of his music: the dramatic Prélude from Pelléas et Mélisande, the stormy Les Djinns, and the melancholy Madrigal.

Next Up: Joint Concert at the Bremen Glocke

The musicians from Paris have, of course, also been invited to visit Bremen. The joint concert will take place in the Glocke at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Puccini's Messa di Gloria for soloists, choir, and orchestra will be performed. In addition, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Suite will feature in the Bremen concert, which will also be conducted by both conductors, Mariano Chiacchiarini and Nicolás Agulló.

Further Information:

Tickets for the concert in Bremen: https://www.glocke.de/event/orchester-chor-der-universitaet-bremen/