In memoriam

The news of Benjamin Britten's death touched Arvo Pärt deeply. Composed in memory of a colleague, Cantus is one of Pärt's most beloved compositions. Maurice Ravel in turn dedicated his work to his friends who died in the World War. For the last piece of the concert, two grand pianos are rolled onto the stage for the Labèque sisters. French baroque music looms like a ghost in Nico Muhly's concerto.