French National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to Present Multimedia Performance at Williams Center for the Arts on April 27

The French National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, accompanied by a Lafayette descendant, is set to present a captivating multimedia performance at the Williams Center for the Arts on April 27. This special event, titled “The Lafayette Musical & Immersive Bicentennial Tour,” is part of a series of concerts commemorating the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of the U.S.

Led by conductor Thomas Zehetmair, the orchestra will showcase a program that reflects Lafayette’s times and his advocacy for civil rights. The repertoire includes works by composers who were active during Lafayette’s lifetime, such as Joseph Bologne, Chevalier Saint-Georges, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Adding a personal touch to the performance, Virginie de Pusy Lafayette, a direct seventh-generation descendant of the Marquis de Lafayette, will speak about her famous relative’s heritage and legacy. After the concert, she will join orchestra members and attendees for a reception hosted by Lafayette College.

Director general Lila Forcade expressed the orchestra’s excitement to conclude their U.S. tour at Lafayette College, emphasizing the shared values of innovation, well-being, and excellence. The tour not only celebrates Lafayette’s return to America but also commemorates the enduring friendship between France and the U.S.

Ty Furman, director of the Performance Series, highlighted the multimedia elements of the program, including light, sound, and narration, which will bring Lafayette’s story to life. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the college’s namesake with a performance by an orchestra from the region of Lafayette’s birth.

Overall, the performance promises to be a celebration of Lafayette’s legacy and Lafayette College’s upcoming bicentennial. Tickets for “The Lafayette Musical & Immersive Bicentennial Tour” can be purchased on the Williams Center for the Arts website.