Dudamel and New York Philharmonic to Premiere Excerpt from Early Ravel Cantata

The Prélude et Danse from the early work "Sémiramis" will be heard for the first time at David Geffen Hall on March 13

On March 13, 2025, the New York Philharmonic is set to hold a celebration in honor of Maurice Ravel's 150th anniversary. The program will include a world premiere: the Prélude et Danse from Sémiramis, a cantata that Ravel wrote in 1902 — when he was 27 years old, and still a student.

The piece was written as part of Ravel's many attempts to win the coveted Prix de Rome, a feat he ultimately never achieved.

Sadly, much of the work has now been lost, but its opening prelude remains. Since 2000, the autograph manuscript of this movement has been held by the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and a holograph of this manuscript is available on IMSLP.

The new performing edition of the work is published by Ravel Edition. Experts there noted that the work can only be dated because it is mentioned in the diaries of Ricardo Viñes, a Catalan pianist who was a close childhood friend of Ravel. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the New York Philharmonic will exhibit other documents relating to Ravel at David Geffen Hall from 3rd March to 20th May — including autograph manuscripts which have been loaned from the Morgan Library and Museum.

In December 2025, the work will receive its French premiere at the Philharmonie de Paris, given by the Orchestre de Paris and conductor Alain Altinoglu.