Rediscovering Louise Farrenc: A Chamber Music Journey with Arpeggione Ensemble

Thursday, February 27, 2025 From 6:00 PM To 8:00 PM Add to Calendar 2025-02-27 18:00:00 2025-02-27 20:00:00 Rediscovering Louise Farrenc: A Chamber Music Journey with Arpeggione Ensemble Celebrate the legacy of a forgotten genius and immerse yourself in the artistry of Louise Farrenc and the exceptional talents of the Arpeggione Ensemble. Stay afterward for a reception with complimentary wine. The French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, Massachusetts, United States America/New_York

At The French Library Get Directions

Join us in celebrating Louise Farrenc, a trailblazing 19th-century composer and pianist whose extraordinary works are being rediscovered. Farrenc was an influential French composer, pianist, and educator who broke barriers as the only female professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire during her time. Her remarkable contributions to classical music include her successful fight for equal pay, her role in managing a publishing house that shaped musical tastes, and her pioneering work in early music performance.

About the Program The evening will feature a selection of Farrenc’s chamber works and piano pieces, showcasing her artistic depth and versatility. Highlights include:

Trios for clarinet, flute, cello, and piano
Sonata for violin and piano
Several short solo piano works
An arrangement of Symphony No. 3’s fourth movement by Thomas Carroll

The Arpeggione Ensemble will enhance the performance with multimedia elements, including a slideshow of 19th-century art, readings from Farrenc’s letters and writings by other women of her time. These elements provide insight into the feminist context of her era and the cultural landscape that shaped her music.

The concert will conclude with a reception, where guests can enjoy a glass of wine.

Event in English

Sorry no refund

Members

$26

Non-members

$35

About Arpeggione Ensemble

The Arpeggione Ensemble is renowned for their immersive and interactive approach to classical music, blending history and artistry to create unique experiences.

Inspired by the groundbreaking salons led by women of the past, Arpeggione seeks to expand the horizons of classical repertoire while fostering an inclusive, thriving community. Their dedication to historically informed performance practices allows audiences to experience music as it might have been heard in its time, while honoring the legacy of those who broke boundaries and dared to redefine artistic expression.

Arpeggione will intersperse Farrenc’s musical selections with readings from her letters and writings by other French women of her time, placing Farrenc's remarkable achievements in context. Arpeggione's musicians will be performing on instruments like the ones Farrenc would have known in the mid-19th century.

Andrea LeBlanc, flute: Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Baroque, Boston Early Music Festival

Thomas Carroll, clarinet: Arranger, musicologist, principal clarinetist for international ensembles

Renée Hemsing, violin: Handel and Haydn Society

Guy Fishman, cello: Principal cellist, Handel and Haydn Society

April Sun, piano: A Far Cry, Meadowlark Trio, Phoenix Chamber Orchestra

Special thanks

We would like to thank Ensemble Arpeggione for this partnership.

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Celebration

Dancing Off the Page: A Valentine’s Soirée with Musette Suzette

A Special Celebration in French and English

Friday, February 14, 2025

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day plan? Celebrate love and friendship with our special edition of Dancing Off the Page! Dance to the beat of live French music, savor wine and French delicacies, and share the evening with your loved one or come solo to meet new friends.

Story Time

L'Heure du Conte

French story time!

Saturday, February 8, 2025

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

Cooking Workshop

Atelier de Cuisine avec Chef Cécile Penot Dietrich

Relax and have fun in the kitchen!

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

What is more French and fun than enjoying cooking with your friends? With this series, you will learn how to make essentials of the French cuisine : "filet mignon de porc en croûte avec une sauce au porto"

See All