Conductor, composer, teacher… Eugène Bozza was a leading figure on the French musical scene for much of the 20th century. He was at the helm of the Opéra-Comique in Paris during the 1940s. He later served as Director of the Conservatoire de Valenciennes for over two decades. He composed a significant number of operas, ballets, symphonies and concertos for soloist and orchestra. However, it was his chamber music that brought him the most international recognition. Bozza was frequently commissioned by educational institutions to compose short pieces for exams and competitions; often for soloist accompanied by piano. Although he began his professional career as a violinist, having even won a prize at the Paris Conservatoire in 1924, his works for wind instruments took on particular significance. Indeed, the French musical tradition has always placed great emphasis on these instruments. This music is also highly appealing for both students and professionals. It combines virtuosity with lyrical expression. It brings together multiple stylistic trends, ranging from the most classical to the impressionist, and even jazz. In this recital, the Solistas da Metropolitana place the oboe, bassoon and trumpet in the spotlight alongside the piano.

Eugène Bozza
Metropolitana Soloists

E. Bozza *Rustiques*, for trumpet and piano
E. Bozza *Fantaisie pastorale*, for oboe and piano
E. Bozza Fantaisie, for bassoon and piano
E. Bozza Caprice, for trumpet and piano
E. Bozza Sonata, for oboe and piano
E. Bozza Nocturne-Danse, for bassoon and piano

Carla Pereira oboe
Rafaela Oliveira bassoon
João Moreira trumpet
Savka Konjikusic piano