New York Philharmonic to Premiere a Rediscovered Work by Ravel

Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic will give the world premiere of an early work by Maurice Ravel on March 13, in celebration of the composer’s 150th anniversary.

Titled Prélude et danse de Sémiramis (Prelude and Dance of Semiramis), the piece was composed in 1902 as part of an unfinished cantata Ravel intended to write during his student years. Some sections of the work have been lost, and its autograph manuscript has been housed at the Bibliothèque nationale de France since 2000. However, it has never before been performed in an orchestral setting. The performing edition for this premiere has been carefully prepared by RAVEL EDITION.

Ravel’s 150th anniversary celebrations in New York will also feature a special exhibition organized by RAVEL EDITION (led by François Dru). The exhibition will showcase Ricardo Viñes’ private diary, scores belonging to former New York Philharmonic music directors, and original Ravel manuscripts on loan from the Morgan Library & Museum.