Australia Ensemble UNSW 2026: Concert 4

French and Australian works bring the season to a glittering close, from Poulenc’s wit and Debussy's lyricism to Ravel’s radiant Trio. French and Australian works bring the season to a glittering conclusion. Jean Anouilh’s satirical comedy, known in English as Ring Round the Moon and worthy of Wodehouse or Waugh, inspired Poulenc’s highly amusing incidental music of dances and parodic character pieces to illustrate the comic intrigues at a lavish ball. Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque (L.75, published 1905) is a refined piano suite that blends gentle lyricism and Impressionist colour, most famously featuring the dreamlike Clair de lune. Merry-go-round, for live instruments with audio-visual backing, grew out of his concern for the fate of war-torn Afghanistan, and hints with subtle power at the violence that can easily sweep away innocent children. Ravel’s Trio masterpiece, composed as World War I loomed, stresses universality in its reference to Malay poetry and Basque dance as well as the classical forms that offer some resistance to the encroaching horror, and which ultimately triumph. The concert will also include the unveiling of the 2027 season, where the audience will delight in a glass of bubbles paired with chocolate truffles to celebrate the incoming season. Program POULENC L'Invitation au Chateau FP 138 [1947] DEBUSSY Suite bergamasque L. 75 [1905] WESLEY-SMITH Merry-go-round [2002] RAVEL Piano Trio [1914] David Griffiths, clarinet; Dimity Hall, violin; Julian Smiles, cello; with guest artist, Piers Lane, piano. Ticketing Student Rush Tickets available at the door from 6pm on November 7, 2026. Single Ticket Prices: Adult $58 | Senior $44 | Concession $35 (plus booking fees) Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the concert day. To enquire, please email us at [email protected] or phone 02 9385 4874.