Hochrhein Musikfestival: French spirit

On a balmy summer night on the Rhine‑island, the Basel Chamber Orchestra invites you to a luminous journey through the French musical imagination. Led by concertmaster Anna Troxler and the virtuoso mandolinist Avi Avital, the program, titled “Esprit française,” weaves an atmospheric tapestry that brings the spirit of France to the Austrian‑styled stage with elegance and passion. Avi Avital’s mandolin, with its intense sonority, serves as the thread that stitches together an array of French classics and intimate concertos. The evening opens with Claude Debussy’s “String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10” (arr. Johannes Marmén), lively and decisive, setting a delicate prelude. Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s “Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra in G major” (1799) follows, accordion‑like in its exuberant Allegro moderato e grazioso and Andante with variations that showcase Avital’s expressive technique. The program continues with a touch of contemporary flair, featuring Jonny Greenwood’s “Suite aus «There Will Be Blood»: Proven Lands,” a bold addition that juxtaposes the orchestra’s classical foundation. Maurice Ravel’s “String Quartet in F major, Op. 35” (arr. David Lundblad) comes next, filled with lively, agitated energy that dazzles the audience. Joseph Haydn surprises with exuberant orchestration: the “Overture to the opera «L'isola disabitata»” (arr. Hugo Ticciati), followed by the dramatic “Minuet on Haydn's Name” (M. 58), and the stormy “Symphonies No. 49 in f‑moll «The Passion»” (Hob. I:49). The encore of Haydn’s “Menuett – Trio” and “Final – Soon” seals the segment with spirited rhythmic bursts. In closing, the French soul lingers with song. Michel Legrand’s “I Will Wait for You” and Norbert Glanzberg’s “Delete Delete” are paired with Édith Piaf’s timeless “Life in Pink” (arr. David Lundblad, contorted by the voices of Guglielmi), delivering a choir of sweet, nostalgic phrases that invites the audience to dream even as the music ends. For more details and tickets, visit the official **Details & Tickets** link.