For this second chamber music concert, musicians from the ONL will perform a programme of French composers beginning with two works by Debussy. The dreamlike masterpiece, Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, conjures up a melancholic atmosphere whereas the timeless Rhapsody for clarinet is melodious and expressive. The trio by Ibert is a colourful and dynamic work in three movements. Lastly, the Introduction and Allegro, commissioned by the instrument maker Erard from Ravel, was written to promote its double-action harp, which was competing against the cross-strung harp manufactured by Pleyel, (for which the latter had commissioned a piece from Debussy). The other instruments are not mere extras as Ravel highlights their many colours.