Spectacular Orchestre National de France program at Carnegie Hall

Cristian Măcelaru conducts the Orchestre National de France

Daniil Trifonov and the Orchestre National de France

Cristian Măcelaru conducts the Orchestre National de France in Carnegie Hall

By Susan Stempleski, 10 November 2025

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“bright woodwind figurations in the Lever du jour, electrifying brass motifs in the Danse générale”

Reviewed at Carnegie Hall: Stern Auditorium, New York City on 9 November 2025

Barraine, Symphonie no. 2

Ravel, Piano Concerto in G major

Saint-Saëns, Piano Concerto no. 2 in G minor, Op.22

Debussy, Images, Set 1 no. 1: Reflets dans l'eau, for piano

Ravel, Daphnis et Chloé: Suite no. 2

Ravel, Boléro

Daniil Trifonov, Piano

Orchestre National de France

Cristian Măcelaru, Conductor

Dances of reinvention: Măcelaru and the ONF at the Enescu Festival

Edward Sava-Segal, 19th September

Venturing into Gershwin, Rudolf Buchbinder joins an Orchestre National de France programme at the George Enescu International Festival marked by surprises.

****1

Fiesta! Philippe Jordan’s Spanish postcard from the Festival Ravel

Mark Pullinger, 4th September

Born to a Basque mother just ten miles from the Spanish border, Ravel excelled at authentic Spanish flavours as heard in this splendid festival concert by the Orchestre National de France.

*****

Măcelaru and the Orchestre National de France charm at the Proms

Christopher Woodley, 23rd July

Măcelaru's eclectic programming elicits passionate performances from the Orchestre National de France, and Randall Goosby shows his versatility with elegant and impassioned artistry.

****1

Saint-Saëns illuminated by the Orchestre National de France in Seoul

SangKwon Lee, 29th April

A sumptuous exploration of Saint-Saëns at Lotte Concert Hall in a programme forming a cohesive tapestry woven from the composer’s fascination with colour, all traced back to a distinctly Parisian sensibility.

****1

Fabien Gabel brings the maison down in Paris with rare Florent Schmitt

Phillip Nones, 12th May

Outstanding performances of two Florent Schmitt scores anchor a winning concert by the Orchestre National de France at the Maison de la Radio.

*****

Kitchen sink Carmen: Măcelaru rounds off the ONF season in style

Mark Pullinger, 23rd July

The percussion department of the Orchestre National de France took their turn in the spotlight for Rodion Shchedrin's ballet.

****1

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Susan Stempleski

Based in New York City, Susan is a retired specialist in second and foreign language teaching and the author/editor of several professional books for language teachers and many widely used textbooks for English language learners around the world. An avid concertgoer, she spends her time attending operas and other classical music events in New York and Paris. Since 2002, she has regularly published reviews on Classical Source. A keen Francophile, she has a particularly strong interest in French music, literature and film.

Cristian Mǎcelaru delivers spectacular Orchestre National de France program at Carnegie Hall