FRENCH-AMERICAN PIANO SOCIETY

in partnership with

THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN WASHIGTON D.C.

LA MAISON FRANCAISE

and

SOFITEL WASHINGTON D.C.

PRESENT

Orane Donnadieu, Piano

Gaspard Thomas, Piano

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

U.S. Debut Recital

Performing on the LVMH Steinway Piano

THURSDAY, JULY 18 2024

LA MAISON FRANCAISE

EMBASSY OF FRANCE, WASHINGTON DC

THE YOUNG PIANISTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Young Pianists Scholarship Program, spearheaded by the French-American Piano Society, is a distinguished initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of French piano virtuosos for U.S. audiences. This program offers exceptional young pianists an invaluable opportunity to advance their international presence and experience. Selected scholars from the Conservatoire National de Paris benefit from access to world-class performance venues at the Consulate of France in New York and the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., where they are exposed to and meet curious and supportive U.S. audiences.

The National Conservatory of Music and Dance of Paris (CNSMDP)

The National Conservatory of Music and Dance of Paris (CNSMDP) is a prestigious institution, globally recognized for its excellence in training musicians, dancers, and other performing arts professionals. Founded in 1795, the Conservatory has established itself as one of the most influential schools in the arts field in France and internationally, ranking as the 3rd best performing arts school in the world according to the QS International Performing Art Ranking 2024.

Each year, the CNSMDP trains around 1,300 students through personalized and rigorous instruction, provided by a faculty composed of world-renowned artists and educators. The winners of the extremely selective admission competitions benefit from top-tier training that prepares them for brilliant careers on international stages.

The Conservatory stands out for its commitment to research, innovation, and artistic experimentation, promoting the emergence of new practices and a diversity of approaches. Its students regularly have the opportunity to perform in concerts, shows, and masterclasses, thereby enriching their experience and contributing to the cultural life of Paris and the international reputation of the institution.

Moreover, the CNSMDP plays a key role in international cooperation by establishing partnerships with other major artistic institutions around the world. A notable example of this collaboration is with the French-American Piano Society, which annually invites two CNSMDP students to perform in the United States, thereby enhancing their visibility and professional network.

The National Conservatory of Music and Dance of Paris, a true crucible of talent and innovation, combines tradition and modernity to train the artists of tomorrow. Its commitment to excellence and diversity makes it a unique place of creation, where the contours of future art are shaped. With a rich history and a promising future, the CNSMDP continues to inspire and train the artists who will mark future generations.

PROGRAM

Introduction:

Welcome to a captivating evening of piano music that traverses the rich tapestry of classical and romantic repertoire. Tonight's recital promises to transport you through time and emotion, showcasing the exquisite artistry of our talented performers.

We begin with the refined elegance of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre and her Allemande from Suite in D Minor, followed by the serene and contemplative tones of Jeanne Leleu’s Les Compagnons de Saint François. We will then experience the lyrical beauty of Gabriel Fauré’s Ballade Op. 19, a piece that captures the essence of French romanticism. Germaine Tailleferre's Valse Lente will enchant us with its delicate grace, leading into the virtuosic brilliance of Louise Farrenc’s Etude Op. 24 No. 10.

The second half of our program features the profound depth and expressive power of Frédéric Chopin. We will hear his Polonaise in F-sharp Minor Op. 44, a work of majestic intensity, followed by Karol Szymanowski’s Prelude in D Minor Op. 1 No. 2 and the evocative Metope Op. 29 No. 1 "Isle of Sirens", which vividly brings to life mythological imagery. The rhythmic and colorful "Triana" from Iberia, Book II by Isaac Albeniz will whisk us away to the streets of Spain, and we conclude with the dramatic and thrilling Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp Minor Op. 39 by Frédéric Chopin.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this journey through sound, as each piece unfolds its unique story and emotion. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you enjoy this evening of musical brilliance.

Orane Donnadieu, Piano

Performing on the LVMH Steinway Piano

Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729)

ALLEMANDE FROM SUITE N°1 IN D MINOR (1687)

Jeanne Leleu (1898-1979)

LES COMPAGNONS DE SAINT FRANCOIS, FROM "EN ITALIE" (1928)

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)

Ballade Op. 19

Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983)

Valse lente (1928)

Louise Farrenc (1804-1875)

Etude Op. 24 n°10 (1855)

Gaspard Thomas, Piano

Performing on the LVMH Steinway Piano

Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849)

Polonaise in F-sharp minor op. 44 (1841)

Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937)

Prelude in d minor op. 1 n°2 (1900)

Metope op. 29 n°1 "Isle of Sirens" (1915)

Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909)

"Triana" from Iberia, book II (1909)

Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849)

Scherzo n°3 in c-sharp minor op. 39 (1838-39)

Orane Donnadieu: Pianist, Arranger, and Composer

Orane Donnadieu has recently earned her Master’s degree from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP) in May 2024, following her diploma in Harmonie from the same institution in 2021. As a pianist, she specializes in solo repertoire, accompaniment, and chamber music, which she holds dear. She has extensive teaching experience and currently serves as a piano teacher at the Maîtrise de Radio France.

As an arranger and composer, Orane is sought after by unique chamber ensembles such as Poivre Rose, Le Bateau Ivre, Piano Orchestra, and Camerata Figarella. She has conducted ensembles including Ensemble Hédoné and Orchestre Curieux for projects spanning various aesthetics. One of her compositions premiered at the Philharmonie de Paris in June 2023, and her numerous arrangements are regularly performed and recorded by these ensembles, with recent performances by the Orchestre Curieux featuring music by Williams and Zimmer.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Orane founded the Rencontres Musicales Jeunes Talents en Luberon (RMJT) in 2018, a festival celebrating young musical talents. The festival, now in its sixth edition in 2024, has gained significant local acclaim. Orane continues to lead RMJT as its artistic director is at the origin of several productions combining literature and music with actresses Marie-Christine Barrault and Brigitte Fossey.

Gaspard Thomas: Acclaimed Pianist

Born in 1997, Gaspard Thomas has garnered numerous international accolades, including first prize at the 2019 France-Amériques competition and multiple prizes at the 2019 Piano Campus competition. In 2023, he won third prize and two special prizes at the Szymanowski Competition in Poland. A laureate of prestigious academies and foundations, he has been an artist-in-residence at the Singer-Polignac Foundation since 2021. He was recently awarded the Robert and Gaby Casadesus Prize at the Paris Conservatory.

Gaspard performs regularly as a soloist with renowned orchestras, such as the Appassionato Orchestra and the Opéra Éclaté Orchestra. In 2023-2024, he performs with the Orchestre des Lauréats du Conservatoire and the Polish Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

He is a guest artist at major festivals like La Roque-d’Anthéron, Deauville, Lisztomanias, and Pianissimes. He has performed at esteemed venues including the Auditorium of Radio France and the Seine Musicale. Internationally, he has played at the Nuits Caraïbes festival in Guadeloupe and toured New York State with Orphée Musique.

A dedicated chamber musician, Gaspard collaborates with violinist Élise Bertrand and cellist Stéphanie Huang, performing at venues like the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and Sala Verdi in Milan.

Gaspard holds a master’s degree from the Paris Conservatory and has studied under eminent artists like Sir András Schiff and Bertrand Chamayou. He has also composed works, including "Poème pour un orchestre de 96 pianistes," premiered at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2019.

We are grateful to our 2023 patrons and partners:

2023-2028 YOUNG PIANISTS SCHOLARSHIPS

A post-COVID expansion of our successful scholarship program to sponsor (2023 to 2028) 10 talented young French pianists to attend U.S. based piano festivals, competitions and present their Debut Recitals in New York City and Washington D.C.

THE LVMH STEINWAY PIANO

We are deeply thankful to the generous patrons

 who helped us fund our LVMH Steinway piano and make this recital possible:

Keyboard Patrons (above $10,000)

   Antoine Simon, Sofitel New York

   Dr. Hélene and Dr. Mathieu Petitjean

   Marc-André Poirier, Crédit Agricole CIB

Anish Melwani, LVMH

Full Arpeggio Patrons ($5,000 or more)

Denis Ribon, Archimed Group

Chromatic Scale Patrons ($2,500 or more)

   The Alice Rosner Foundation

Philippe et Patricia Etienne

The Staff and Employees of the Embassy of France (D.C,)

Christian and Nora Hohenlohe

Key Patrons($1,000 or more)

   Lydia Turkie

Harald Greve

French-American Chamber of Commerce (Washington D.C.)

Dr. Mitra Dowlatshahi'

Dr. Mir Farha

Claire Mittaud

Jack and Ellette Kozak

Alexander Sash

David Thoms

Judy and Peter Blum Kovler

Thomad and Deborah Silbverstein

Annie Simonian Totah

Cedric Sage

Pierre de Lucy

Caroline Pillsbury

Tamara Haddad

Rhona Wolfe Friedman and Donald J. Friedman

Anna Katalkina and Gregory Bernstein

Kimberley Heatherington

Jean-Philippe Krukowics

Garnier Thiebaut Inc.

Theodore Pary

David Kosutic

Marie Hélène et Daniel Zavala

Michele et Lucie Wormser

Maggie Hua et Stanislas Vilgrain

Marion E. Rodgers , The Hitchcock Hoagland Foundation in honor of Ambassador Phillippe Etienne

Roxana Nikdjou-van der Mensbrugghe

Edwige Dorel Torgue

Society Members

Growing …

Code of Conduct

It is the policy of the French-American Piano Society that all attendees of Society hosted recitals, events, and associated activities are expected to exhibit respectful, and ethical behaviors.

Please review our Code of Conduct Policy here.

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