Conductor’s Notes by Ollivier-Philippe Cunéo

World Premiere – Cunéo – Le Verre Siffleur
Le Verre Siffleur is the café at the end of my street in Paris.  It is in a building from the turn of the twentieth century and the décor is art nouveau. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, the staff are young and friendly, the food is a mix of traditional French cuisine, plus dishes from Asia and elsewhere.  This fusion of styles and flavours inspired me to fuse musical elements from the early twentieth century (a period in musical history that I love) into a work I hope is fun and friendly just like Le Verre Siffleur.  While my composition is not narrative, it evokes for me a series of changing scenes and moods inspired by the café: a lone waiter/waitress opening up at dawn, the café gradually coming to life, the hustle and bustle of the evening, and so on.  At the work’s core is an elegy to the victims of the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, many of whom were gunned down as they enjoyed a meal or a drink at their local café.

Ollivier-Philippe Cunéo

Haydn 44 and Mozart 29
One of the constraints and challenges that I enjoyed while composing Le Verre Siffleur, was writing for a Classical orchestra, that is the type of orchestra that Haydn and Mozart were writing for in the 1770s.  The two classical symphonies on this programme are both gems written within 2 years of each other.  Haydn was already recognized as one of the leading composers of his time and his ‘Mourning’ symphony is a fine example with its passionate, agitated themes.  It also shows his sophistication and skill as a composer, particularly in the minuet, which is a double canon and the beautiful slow movement, which Haydn asked to have played at his funeral.
Mozart’s A major symphony is an early masterpiece, composed when he was just 18.  It is overflowing with charm and vitality, while the slow movement is as poignant as Haydn’s.
Sally Boud plays Hoffmeister
Hoffmeister, was a friend of both Haydn and Mozart and even published some of their works.  He was a prolific composer and wrote especially well for strings.  His charming Viola Concerto exploits the beauty of the instrument and is a standard for all viola players.  I look forward to working with Sally Boud again and to hearing her interpretation of this work.
“A special thank you to the Fremantle Chamber Orchestra and its director Hans Hug, for
commissioning my composition and making these concerts happen. It is a rare privilege
to compose a work for and conduct its world premiere with such a fine orchestra.”

Saturday 23 July 3pm @ Perth Town Hall, Hay & Barrack St, Perth
Sunday 24 July 3pm @ Fremantle Town Hall, William Street, Fremantle
Tickets available at the door from 2pm (cash only)
For further details call 9335 6980 or 0438 933 250