Details

‘Xavier de Maistre is a virtuoso of the highest order’ – Gramophone

One of today’s leading harpists, Xavier de Maistre is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to classical music. With a fierce dedication to his instrument, critics have lauded Xavier de Maistre as ‘a virtuoso of the highest order, profoundly musical and capable of realising a remarkable range of nuance’ (Gramophone). Born in Toulon, Xavier studied the harp with Vassilia Briano at his local conservatoire, before perfecting his technique to then become the first French musician to be admitted at the Wiener Philharmoniker. Collaborating with revered conductors like Sir André Previn and Sir Simon Rattle, he has graced prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Having released a series of acclaimed albums, including Nuit d’Etoiles dedicated to Debussy, Xavier’s innovative approach makes him a true luminary in the field.

In an exclusive Australian recital, witness Xavier challenge traditional harp music through daring commissions and reimagined instrumental classics. From the rippling arpeggios and intricate harmonies of Debussy’s beloved ‘Two Arabesques, L.66’, to Henriette Renié’s enchanting Romantic masterpiece Legende d’après les Elfes, don’t miss this awe-inspiring performance marking the first time a harp has been featured as a solo instrument in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

Post-Concert Talk

Following this extraordinary performance, Xavier de Maistre joins Melbourne Recital Centre’s Director of Programming, Marshall McGuire, in the ground floor foyer for a 20-minute discussion about his artistry, career, and more. Take a seat and enjoy this perfect conclusion to your musical experience.

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Read the Program Notes

Artists & Program

Artists

This is a Dynamic Double Set experience: a musical matching of artists designed to enhance your concert experience.

Set 1: Affinity Quartet

Set 2: Xavier de Maistre, harp

Program

Set 1: Affinity Quartet

Joseph Haydn
String Quartet No.62 in C ‘Emperor’, Op.76 No.3, Hob.III/77

Brief changeover

Set 2: Xavier de Maistre

Giovanni Battista Pescetti
Sonata in C minor

Francisco Tárrega
Recuerdos de l’Alhambra (Memories of the Alhambra)

Manuel de Falla
Spanish Dance, from La Vida Breve

Franz Liszt
Le Rossignol, S.250/1

Bedřich Smetana
Moldau, from Má vlast

Interval

Gabriel Fauré
Impromptu in D-flat, Op.86

Claude Debussy
Two Arabesques, L.66
No.1: Andantino con molto

Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque, L.75 No.3

Henriette Renié
Legende d’après les Elfes (Legend of the Elves)