Southern Cross Soloists open the 19th Bangalow Music Festival with an effervescent French-inspired program of lightness, fluidity and colour – all the characteristics of a glass of fine French Champagne. In a program that sparkles with both brilliance and delicate finesse, the concert starts with Ravel’s vibrant and radiant La Tombeau de Couperin. Guest coloratura soprano, Alexandra Flood, graces the stage with four sumptuous French arias by Debussy, Reynaldo Hahn and Fauré. The final piece of the concert sets the scene for the rest of our sparkling 2022 Festival program with Ravel’s whirling and bubbly La Valse. SXS are also joined by cello soloist, Jonathan Békés and piano soloist, Vatche Jambazian for the 2022 festival. RAVEL Le Tombeau de Couperin M.68 HAHN L’Heure Exquise* FAURÉ Notre amour Op.23, No.2* DEBUSSY Ariettes Oublies*: No.1 “C’est l’extase” No.4 “Chevaux de bois” FINSTERER Ignis* RAVEL La Valse M.72 (arr. Rotar) Southern Cross Soloists Alexandra Flood Soprano* Jonathan Békés Cello Vatche Jambazian Piano Duration: 60 minutes, no interval