French-American Piano Society

in partnership with

THE CONSULATE OF FRANCE IN NEW YORK

and

SOFITEL NEW YORK

present

Emile Naoumoff, Piano

Performing on the James J. Sheeran Piano

2024 Spring Recital

Centennial celebration of the international legacy of Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)

THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2024 AT 6:30 PM

CONSULATE OF FRANCE

IN NEW YORK

The French-American Piano Society is a non-profit organization designed to promote cultural exchange, education, and networking between France and the United States through French pianists and music. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Mathieu Petitjean, the French-American Piano Society provides scholarships for aspiring young French pianists to attend competitions and festivals in the United States, presents world-renowned artists in recitals, and endeavors to promote the activities of French pianists in America and American pianists dedicated to French piano music.

Professor on the artist piano faculty of the Jacobs School, Emile Naoumoff has been likened to both Horowitz and Rubinstein, displaying, as one critic remarked, the fire of the former and the poetry of the latter.  A child prodigy, he took up piano at 5 and composition at 6, studying for a decade with the great Nadia Boulanger and the distinguished musicians in her circle while concurrently pursuing studies at the Paris Conservatoire, where he was later appointed professor. Naoumoff has been a featured soloist with many of the world’s premier orchestras, and has collaborated with eminent musicians including Jean-Pierre Rampal, Gerard Souzay, Yo-Yo Ma, Gary Hoffman, Dominique de Williencourt and the Fine Arts Qt.  In recent years he has been a guest at numerous summer festivals, residencies and  international competitions’ juries. He is an avid composer of French melodies, and greatly admired for his mastery in transcribing music for the piano as well as improvising daily on his YouTube channel.

Centennial celebration of the international legacy of Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)

The title "Centennial Celebration of the International Legacy of Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)" commemorates the enduring impact and contributions of the renowned French composer Gabriel Fauré on the world of classical music. Born in 1845, Fauré's remarkable career spanned over the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. As the centennial of his passing in 1924 approaches, the international community gathers to celebrate and reflect on Fauré's profound influence on music and his lasting legacy.

Gabriel Fauré: A Musical Luminary: Gabriel Fauré, a pivotal figure in French music, emerged during the Romantic and Impressionist periods. His compositions are characterized by a unique blend of elegance, lyricism, and harmonic innovation. Fauré held influential positions such as Director of the Paris Conservatoire, leaving an imprint not only as a composer but also as an educator who nurtured the talents of future generations of musicians.

Centennial Celebration: The centennial celebration serves as a tribute to Fauré's enduring significance, drawing attention to his timeless compositions that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Concerts, recitals, and academic events are organized globally to showcase the breadth and depth of Fauré's oeuvre. These celebrations aim to bring together musicians, scholars, and music enthusiasts to explore, appreciate, and commemorate the rich legacy left behind by this musical luminary.

International Impact: Fauré's influence extends far beyond the borders of France. His compositions, which include chamber music, choral works, and piano pieces, have become staples of classical repertoire worldwide. The international celebration underscores the global reach of Fauré's music, emphasizing how it resonates with diverse audiences and transcends cultural boundaries.

Educational Initiatives: In addition to public performances, the centennial celebration provides an opportunity for educational initiatives. Workshops, lectures, and masterclasses are organized to delve into Fauré's compositional techniques, musical innovations, and the historical context of his works. These activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of Fauré's contributions to the evolution of classical music and inspire future generations of musicians.

Preserving Fauré's Legacy: The centennial celebration also serves as a platform for discussions on the preservation of Fauré's legacy. Archival projects, digitization efforts, and scholarly research contribute to ensuring that Fauré's works remain accessible and appreciated for years to come. By celebrating this milestone, the international community reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage embodied in Fauré's musical creations.

The "Centennial Celebration of the International Legacy of Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)" is a tribute to a musical genius whose compositions continue to enchant and inspire. Through performances, education, and preservation efforts, the international community comes together to honor Fauré's enduring impact on classical music, ensuring that his legacy remains vibrant and influential in the years to come.

PROGRAM

Introduction

by Matthieu Cognet, Artistic Director for the French American Piano Society, January 2024

“Celebrating the centennial of Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) with Émile Naoumoff and Nadia Boulanger”

A pianist, composer and former child prodigy Emile Naoumoff is also the last student of Nadia Boulanger, one of the most prominent and influential musical figures of the twentieth century. A student of Gabriel Fauré, “Mademoiselle” [Nadia Boulanger], who became a close friend to Ravel, Stravinsky and Poulenc, taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century from Copland to Piazzolla.

This program celebrates Gabriel Fauré’s legacy by featuring Naoumoff’s outstanding and unique solo piano rendition of Fauré’s quintessential Requiem, and reflects on Fauré’s musical impact on the French and international musical spheres. The program also features works by Maurice Ravel, Nadia Boulanger and Émile Naoumoff.

Emile Naoumoff, Piano

Performing on the James J. Sheeran Piano

2024 Spring Recital

"At the tender age of seven, destiny smiled upon me as Mademoiselle Boulanger chose me to be her final disciple. Entering her eighth decade of an illustrious pedagogical journey that had profoundly influenced the foremost composers of the twentieth century, starting with Copland, my early life became a jubilant and inspirational odyssey—a journey not without its daily challenges and demanding trials.

 As a disciple of Fauré in her own youth, Mademoiselle Boulanger became the conduit through which the true aesthetics of his musical language flowed to me directly from the source. Remarkably, she went on to make history by becoming the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic in Fauré’s Requiem. Among her esteemed peers from Fauré’s composition class at the Paris Conservatory was none other than the renowned Maurice Ravel.

 In shaping my own musical identity, I carry forward this exclusive French music lineage, a legacy entrusted to me and one that I, in turn, impart to my own students.

 In honor of the centennial year marking Fauré's passing, I am excited to present his Requiem in my own piano transcription, alongside Ravel’s Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, my mentor’s Vers la Vie Nouvelle (Towards the New Life), and my own creation, Valse pour Nadia.

 Fauré remains my musical homeland, and in celebrating his legacy, I echo his timeless melodies with heartfelt reverence—Fauré est mon pays!"

Emile Naoumoff to the French-American-Piano Society. January 2023.

Gabriel Urbain Fauré (1845 - 1924)

Requiem Opus 48 (1887)

Piano transcription by Emile Naoumoff

Introït and Kyrie

Offertorium

Sanctus

Pie Jesu

Agnus Dei

Libera me

In Paradisum

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)

Valses Nobles et Sentimentales

Modéré - très franc

Assez lent

Modéré

Assez animé

Presque lent

Vif

Moins vif

Épilogue : lent

Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979)

Vers la vie nouvelle (1918)

Emile Naoumoff (1962)

Valse pour Nadia (1996)

We are grateful to our 2024 RECITAL partners:

THE JAMES J. SHEERAN STEINWAY PIANO

At its inaugural recital on January 16th 2018, S.E. Anne Claire Legendre, Consul General of France in New York, in the company of S.E. Bertrand Lortholary, Ambassador of France in Vietam, Former Consul General of France in New York, and S.E. Francois Delattre, Ambassador of France to the United Nation, former Ambassador of France to the USA, and former Consul General of France in New York, dedicated our Steinway concert piano to

JAMES J. SHEERAN

(1923 - 2007)

A GREAT AMERICAN PATRIOT, WWII VETERAN, SON OF FRANCE, AND CHEVALIER DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR (2006) OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE

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.

We are deeply thankful to the generous patrons

 who helped us fund our James J. Sheeran Steinway piano

CREDIT AGRICOLE CIB

NJ CURE

JCDECAUX

ALICE ROSNER FOUNDATION

COLAS, INC

COMMITTEE OF FRENCH SPEAKING SOCIETIES

CONNECTHINGS

CONSEILLERS DU COMMERCE EXTERIEUR DE LA FRANCE

MEDNEST

RATP DEV

VERONIQUE TRAVEL

and

The “88 Keys” Society Members and Patrons:

    Helene Buchen (C1#, D1#, F1&#, G1#, A1&#, F2#, G2#, A2#)

    Gilles Rousseau (G2,A2,B2,C3,D3,E3,F3,G3)

    Veronique and Pascal Carpentier (C6#, D6#, F6#, G6#, A6#)

    Ariane Daguin (B6, A6, G6, C7)

    Anne-Julia Audray (D5, F5, A4)

    Jean-Pierre Bizzari, MD (A5, B5)

    Laurence Chertoff (D2#, D3#)

    Thomas and Albane Duplan (C8, B1)

    Valerie and Gerard Duval (G7#, F7#)

    Lily Hsia (D5#, D7#)

    Susan Mackenzie (E6, C7#)

    Martha and Rick Olson (E4, G4)

    Daniel and Teresa Petitjean (F7, G7)

    Helene and Mathieu Petitjean (A0#,A4#)

    Dr. Ellie Abdi (B0)

    Catherine Munera and Alfredo Basurto (E5)

    Carey and Brett August (C6)

Veronique et Serge Banzet (A5)

    Arnaud Boyer (E7)

    Nigel Brown (G1)

    Florence and Eric Brun (G5)

    Eric and Isabelle Chaboureau (F2)

    Vésine de La Rue (D2)

    Philippe Dreano (G3#)

    Yoni Elmalem (A7#)

    Sylvie Epelbaum,MD (D4#)

    John F. Bennet, Paris-American Club (G4#)

    Bernard Frelat (F6)

    French-American Choir of New York (A4)

    Simone Galton (B3)

    Guy Geslin (D7)

    Anthony Gilroy (A3)

    Robert Gorman (D1)

    Odile Gorse (C1)

    Herve Houdre (C2)

    Laurent Kleitman (C5#)

    Remy Lumbroso (D6)

    Pierre Martin (F3#)

    Andrea Mayes (C5)

    Hanyi Meng (A7)

    Jean-Hugues Monier (E2)

    Mark Morris (A3#)

    Rick and Mary O'Connell (E1)

    Elizabeth Olson (C4)

    Claudine and Bernard Parisot (C4#)

    Joseph Patrych (G5)

    Michel and Judith Pautrat (F4)

    Jean Perrette (B7)

    Dmitry Rachmanov (F4#)

    Jerome Rose (A0)

    Sophie Schyler - Chateau Kirwan  (F5#)

    Guy Sorman (D4)

    Annaliese Soros (C2#)

    Marie-Monique Steckel (B4)

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.

Report Violations of the Policy here