Debut at Paris Philharmonie

Laurent Zufferey Makes his debut at the Philharmonie de Paris

On March 8 and 9, 2025, Laurent Zufferey made his debut at the Philharmonie de Paris, conducting the Orchestre National de Lyon as a replacement for the indisposed Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider. This was a significant moment for the young Swiss conductor, who led a dynamic program featuring Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso and Ibrahim Maalouf’s Trumpet Concerto, performed by the composer himself.

Before these Parisian concerts, two performances took place on March 6 and 7 at the Auditorium de Lyon, where the program was expanded to include two major works: Ravel’s La Valse and Richard Strauss’s Rosenkavalier Suite. This broader repertoire allowed Zufferey to showcase his mastery of post-Romantic and Impressionist music.

The highlight of the evening was the world premiere of Ibrahim Maalouf’s Trumpet Concerto, titled Boléro pour Ravel. This piece explores a single theme, gradually reorchestrated in the manner of Ravel’s Boléro, creating a hypnotic and captivating build-up. Blending Oriental influences, jazz, and classical music, the work reflects the eclectic journey of the trumpeter.