The New York Philharmonic’s upcoming concerts, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel from March 13 to 16, will feature the world premiere of Prélude et Danse de Sémiramis, a recently rediscovered work by Maurice Ravel. Originally composed between 1900 and 1902 during Ravel’s student years at the Paris Conservatoire, the piece has remained largely unknown until now.
Prélude et Danse de Sémiramis reflects the influence of late 19th-century Russian composers, particularly Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. It is believed to have been written for the prestigious Prix de Rome competition, which Ravel attempted multiple times but never won. The manuscript was acquired by the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in 2000, and its authenticity was later confirmed by an entry in the diary of pianist Ricardo Viñes, who noted that the piece was played at the Paris Conservatoire in 1902 in the presence of Gabriel Fauré.
The premiere of this work was initially planned as part of a program celebrating the 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth, alongside his Mother Goose Suite and Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2, as well as George Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Edgard Varèse’s Amériques.
However, the program has undergone a significant change following the withdrawal of pianist Yuja Wang due to health issues. Wang was originally scheduled to perform both of Ravel’s piano concertos, which have now been removed from the lineup. As a result, the concert will focus on orchestral works, with Amériques opening the program.
Dudamel, who is set to become the New York Philharmonic’s music director in the 2025–26 season, makes his first appearance with the orchestra this season through these performances. His interpretation of this rediscovered Ravel piece adds further anticipation to a concert already rich in historical significance.
The concerts will take place at David Geffen Hall, and the world premiere of Prélude et Danse de Sémiramis is expected to be a major event in the ongoing Ravel anniversary celebrations.
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