Our audience at last Friday’s Prelude Classical show was treated to both a stunning performance and a history lesson! The theme was 19th and 20th century French classical composers, and the trio of Eder Rivera (oboe), Jordan Farber (bassoon) and HyeJin Park (piano) played the music of this impressionist period with flair. They covered Debussy, Ravel, Devienne, Schumann, Satie and Edith Piaf.

The experience was anchored by the deep knowledge, enthusiasm and charisma of our host Suraj Partha of Classical California KUSC radio (91.5FM). In between songs, Partha took the time to explain how these compositions connected to today’s pop music. For example, how the composer Ravel (who was of half Spanish Basque descent) used the same kinds of Flamenco rhythms and scales in his works that can still be heard today in the music of modern Spanish pop star Rosalia.

Partha also drew connections between 20th century French composer and music teacher Nadia Boulanger’s distinctive string melodies with Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” (which was composed by Quincy Jones, who studied under Boulanger in Paris).

As the concluding event in our Prelude Classical series, we could not have asked for a more enlightening evening. Thank you for making magic happen with us, Colburn School of Music!