The Orchestre Philharmonique Parisien brings the grandeur of French music to Shanghai with a New Year’s concert celebrating timeless classics and the spirit of renewal. Composed of elite musicians from top European conservatories—including the Conservatoire de Paris, Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and Berlin University of the Arts—the orchestra represents the pinnacle of French symphonic tradition. Many of its members are prize winners of international competitions and have held leading positions in major European orchestras.

Program

Part I

• Gopak (from Sorochintsy Fair) – M. Mussorgsky
• Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 – E. Grieg
• O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi) – G. Puccini
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (I. Moderato) – S. Rachmaninoff
• Thunder and Lightning Polka – J. Strauss II
• Dance of the Yao People – Liu Tieshan, Mao Yuan

Part II

• Orpheus in the Underworld Overture – J. Offenbach
• The Nutcracker Suite (Selections) – P. I. Tchaikovsky
• Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, RV 531 (I. Allegro) – A. Vivaldi
• Carmen Overture – G. Bizet
• Habanera (“Love is a Rebellious Bird”) (from Carmen) – G. Bizet
• Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World” – A. Dvořák

Program subject to change.

About the Orchestra

Founded in the 1970s, the Orchestre Philharmonique Parisien is one of Europe’s most respected symphonic ensembles, renowned for its technical brilliance and stylistic diversity. Its members are graduates of Europe’s foremost music academies and have performed in leading orchestras across France, Belgium, and Germany.

The orchestra’s repertoire spans symphonies, operas, sacred works, 20th-century compositions, operettas, and film scores—with a distinctive mastery of 18th-century European classics. They have performed extensively throughout Europe, appearing at major music festivals such as the Épinal International Music Festival, Le Touquet Masters Festival, and Schwetzingen Festival. In recent years, they have also toured widely in China to enthusiastic acclaim.

Conductor: Renaud Bary

Born into a family of musicians, Renaud Bary began learning cello, piano, and saxophone at age four before specializing in double bass. He graduated with distinction from the Paris Conservatoire, studying under Thierry Barbé. After performing with the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine and the Orchestre de l’Opéra National de Paris, he transitioned into conducting, leading major ensembles including the Orchestre National de France and Paris Opera Orchestra. His versatility spans classical, modern, jazz, and tango. Currently, he serves as the principal conductor of the Rueil-Malmaison Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor for both the Orchestre Philharmonique and Orchestre Symphonique de Paris.

Concertmaster: Gilles Lefevre

An internationally recognized violinist, Gilles Lefevre studied under the legendary Christian Ferras at the Paris Conservatoire, earning top prizes in both violin and chamber music. A laureate of the Montreal Symphony Competition and the Prague International Youth Competition, he has performed with major French orchestras including the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre de Toulouse, and Orchestre de l’Île-de-France. Lefevre also founded the International Association for Musical Art Exchange (E.M.A.I.) in 2012, promoting cross-cultural artistic collaboration.

Soprano: Lys Nordet

A versatile artist equally at home in opera and dance, Lys Nordet studied classical and modern ballet at the Bordeaux Conservatoire before turning to vocal performance at the Paris Conservatoire. Her lyric soprano voice has shone in leading roles across operas such as Esther, La Vie Parisienne, and Dixit Dominus. She has performed at major European vocal festivals including those in Brittany, Andorra, and the Loire Valley, and is admired for her rich timbre and expressive technique.

Pianist: Didier Nguyen

Didier Nguyen began piano at age five and studied under renowned teachers Carier Bresson and Fernando Rossano before earning his degree at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP). A laureate of multiple international piano competitions—including the Saint-Paul Tri-Cities and Lany International Piano Competitions—Nguyen has performed extensively as both soloist and collaborator with leading French orchestras. He is also a certified piano pedagogue recognized by the French Ministry of Education.

A Parisian Touch of Elegance

Founded in the heart of Paris, the orchestra blends French refinement and emotional precision with a cosmopolitan sensibility. Its performances are known for clarity, warmth, and expressive depth—capturing the soul of Europe’s great musical heritage. This Shanghai concert brings the romance and sophistication of Paris straight from the Seine to the Huangpu, offering audiences a journey through the world’s most beloved symphonic masterpieces.

A New Year’s Celebration in Sound

Mark the end of 2025 with an evening of grandeur and inspiration. This concert is both a tribute to the past year and a musical toast to the year ahead—immersing audiences in an atmosphere of festive reflection and hope. Carefully curated from the world’s symphonic treasures, the program promises a night of artistry, emotion, and the timeless magic of live music.