Mikko Franck: A French-Inspired Debut in Valencia
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía welcomes Finnish conductor Mikko Franck on 12 February 2027 for his debut with the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana (OCV). This concert is part of a tour that also includes performances at the Auditori de Castelló and the Auditorio Nacional de Madrid, reinforcing Franck’s presence on the Spanish symphonic scene. The programme, centred on French musical impressionism, features works by Ernest Chausson and Claude Debussy, with tenor Michael Spyres performing Poème de l’amour et de la mer.
A Programme Steeped in Impressionism
The repertoire chosen for this evening reflects Franck’s affinity for French music, particularly composers like Debussy and Ravel. The concert is structured around three key pieces:
- Poème de l’amour et de la mer (Ernest Chausson), featuring tenor Michael Spyres as soloist.
- Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Claude Debussy).
- La Mer (Claude Debussy).
These works, emblematic of musical impressionism, stand out for their rich timbres and ability to evoke images and emotions through music. The OCV’s performance under Franck’s direction promises to highlight the sonic clarity and expressiveness that define his style.
Mikko Franck’s Career
Mikko Franck (Helsinki, 1979) is one of the most prominent conductors of his generation. At just 27 years old, he was appointed General Music Director of the Finnish National Opera, a milestone that marked the beginning of an international career. Over the past decade, he has served as Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, with whom he has recorded and premiered works by composers such as Ravel and Sibelius, two of his key influences.
His style is distinguished by technical precision and interpretative sensitivity, aiming to connect with audiences. Franck is renowned for his ability to convey emotion through music, particularly in the post-Romantic and French repertoire. This concert at Les Arts offers a chance to experience his talent in a programme that showcases his mastery of the genre.
For more details about the venue, check the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía profile.
