Louise Farrenc - Overtures, Melodie, Nocturne (Shea Lolin)

Information

Composer: Louise Farrenc

1. Overture No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 23
2. Overture No. 2 in Eb Major, Op. 24
3. Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 49 (arr. for orchestra)
4. Mélodie in Ab Major (arr. for orchestra)

Prague Metropolitan Orchestra

Shea Lolin, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: Sony Classical

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Recorded in June 2024 with the Prague Metropolitan Orchestra, this project features Louise Farrenc’s dramatic Overtures alongside piano works newly orchestrated by Christopher Hussey. A pioneering 19th-century composer, pianist, and professor at the Paris Conservatoire, Farrenc broke barriers in a male-dominated field with her symphonies and chamber music, disproving notions of women’s creative limitations. Beyond her artistry, she championed equal pay and recognition, leaving a lasting legacy for gender equality in music. This recording not only highlights the richness of her Romantic voice but also celebrates her enduring influence in redefining women’s place in musical history.

Shea Lolin, a graduate of Colchester Institute in the early 2000s, has built a multifaceted career across performance, conducting, and arts management. Specialising in wind music, he has spent over 20 years developing ensembles, commissioning leading contemporary composers, and collaborating with artists across disciplines. His work has included recording with the Czech Philharmonic, Janáček Philharmonic, and London Woodwind Orchestra, as well as establishing and directing multiple orchestras. Notably, Lolin contributed to the cultural regeneration of east London ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games. His career reflects both entrepreneurial vision and a dedication to expanding the wind repertoire.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz