Pianist Louis Lortie stars in a concert of Ravel and Poulenc – music with a certain “je ne sais quoi”.

Naughty, but very nice. They do things differently in France, where elegance and seduction dance a delicate valse, and enjoyment is a serious business. So when Ravel opens a book of children’s fairy tales, you know to expect something a bit more sumptuous – and a lot more magical – than just the tales of Mother Goose.

Our Parisian guest conductor, Jean-Luc Tingaud, brings all his Gallic wit to Poulenc’s delicious Les biches – a celebration of youthful mischief beneath blue Riviera skies – and partners a legend among French pianists, the inimitable Louis Lortie, with Ravel’s brilliant concerto. Expect Spanish sunlight, the smoky aroma of jazz, and piano playing so flamboyant that it’ll dazzle your ears.

This concert is supported by Poilâne, celebrating 92 years of artisan baking.