French composers featured by CSO

Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will present “Daphnis and Chloe” at the Tivoli Theatre tonight, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will feature Grammy Award-winning vocalist Mela Dailey performing Berlioz’s intensely dramatic work “Cleopatra,” which depicts the death of the famed Egyptian queen.

The program will also include Lili Boulanger’s playful and energetic “D’un Matin du Printemps, Suite No. 2” from the finale of Ravel’s ballet “Daphnis et Chloe,” and Debussy’s homage to Spain, Iberia.

“This concert will feature French composers Lili Boulanger, Debussy, Ravel and Berlioz, all of whom helped shape the history of orchestral composition in the 19th and 20th centuries,” says Kayoko Dan, CSO music director.

“Berlioz’s work will feature soprano Mela Dailey, a dazzling artist we look forward to working with again. Lili Boulanger was an important figure in the early 20th century, and was the first female to win the Prix de Rome composition prize. Her sister, Nadia Boulanger, also a prominent composer and teacher, has kept Lili’s music alive after her untimely death cut short a promising career.

“Both Ravel and Debussy’s works are challenging, but the results are stunning. These works display many interesting colors and textures to evoke emotions of joy, love and celebration,” the conductor describes.

Tickets for “Daphnis and Chloe” begin at $21. They may be purchased by calling 423-267-8583 or online at chattanoogasymphony.org. Discounts are available for students and music educators.