The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia brings its 2024 symphonic season to a thrilling close this Friday, December 20, featuring the extraordinary talents of pianist Javier Perianes and the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana (OCV) under the baton of James Gaffigan.  A highlight of the evening is the Spanish premiere of *Ciudad sin sueño*, a groundbreaking piece by Valencian composer Francisco Coll. Co-commissioned by Les Arts, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Sinfonieorchester Basel, this “fantasy for piano and orchestra” earned rave reviews during its London debut, with *The Guardian*, *The Times*, and *Financial Times* hailing its brilliance.

The programme also features Maurice Ravel’s virtuosic *Piano Concerto in G Major*, performed by Perianes, one of Spain’s most distinguished pianists. This energetic work, infused with jazz influences from Ravel’s American travels, demands remarkable technical and expressive prowess, making it a perfect match for Perianes’s artistry.

The concert continues its celebration of French repertoire with Ravel’s *La Valse*, a tribute to the imperial Vienna of Strauss, which has become one of the most performed orchestral works in recent years. The evening culminates in César Franck’s *Le Chasseur maudit*, a thrilling symphonic poem brimming with drama and vivid storytelling.   This carefully curated programme not only showcases the virtuosity of the performers but also reaffirms ‘Les Arts’ as a cultural beacon for innovative and timeless  music.

Report by Edward Tillman

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’ 

Tickets:https://lesarts.koobin.com/index.php?action=PU_evento&Ev_id=5901&idioma=VA

Les Arts és Simfònic - T.G

Palau de les Arts

(City of Arts & Sciences)

Av. del Professor López Piñero, 1

46013

València