We rarely come across recitals dedicated to a single composer, and surely, in the case of Breinton, we have only had a handful of them in our history of 16 years (and 131 recitals). But at the hands of pianist Pascal Rogé, renowned for his elegant touch and deep affinity for French repertoire, the evening immediately became an enthralling experience. “There would be no contemporary music as it is today without the existence of Claude Debussy”, said Pascal. Today’s programme showcased this and brought us through Debussy’s evolution, from early charm and lyricism, to the vivid imaginary and rhythmic sophistication of his later works. Pascal’s final decision to make the programme even more expansive, by inviting his performing partner, the dynamic and versatile pianist Elena Font to be part of the evening, was welcomed wholeheartedly and certainly added extra flavour.
In the first half, Pascal and Elena explored short works, both solo and duet, through their tonal shaping. While Pascal’s masterful reflection of the sounds was apparent with the first note in Arabesque, Elena demonstrated pure, fresh and beautifully woven textures with Images, Book 2. Petite Suite was an adorable addition, expressing sparkling charm and lyricism.
An imaginary journey through Preludes, Book 1 was incredible. These self-contained musical works were “about no emotion”, said Pascal. They were about nature, motion and landscape: vivid images were conjured through delicate textures, evocative harmonies and innovative rhythms. With Pascal’s refined touch and nuanced interpretation, we felt the sounds travel and leap; the time shift; music and scent intertwined. We imagined the wind, light and shadow. We saw the image of footsteps and felt the coldness of snow. It was quite incredible how Pascal’s tonal landscape shaped and portrayed these vivid images and worked wonders on our senses.
Pascal and Elena performed the charming Le Jardin Féerique from Mother Goose suite by Ravel (not Debussy!) and this most pleasant and enjoyable evening came to an end. We all had a smile on our face – the proof of a successful evening!
- Debussy
- Arabesque #1
- Reflects dans l'eau (Elena)
- Estampes
- Pagodes
- La Soirée dans Grenade
- Jardins sous la pluie
- Images Book 2 (Elena)
- Cloches à travers les feuilles
- Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fût
- Petite Suite (4 hands)
- Preludes Book 1
Pascal Rogé exemplifies the finest in French pianism, renowned for his masterful interpretations of the French repertoire. Born in Paris, Rogé’s early promise led him to study at the Paris Conservatory, where he received mentorship from legendary musicians such as Julius Katchen and the iconic Nadia Boulanger. His exceptional talent soon gained international recognition, winning the Georges Enesco Piano Competition and securing First Prize at the Marguerite Long Piano Competition, establishing him as one of the most distinguished pianists of his generation.
At just seventeen, Pascal Rogé signed an exclusive recording contract with Decca, marking the beginning of a prolific career. His interpretations of composers such as Poulenc, Satie, Fauré, Saint-Saëns, and especially Ravel and Debussy are renowned for their elegance, beauty, and stylistically perfect phrasing. His recordings of these works have become benchmarks in the classical world.
Rogé has performed in nearly every major concert hall worldwide and with virtually every major orchestra, collaborating with some of the most distinguished conductors in music history. These include Lorin Maazel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Mariss Jansons, Charles Dutoit, Kurt Masur, Edo de Waart, Alan Gilbert, David Zinman, Marek Janowski, Sir Andrew Davis, and Raymond Leppard, among others.
In addition to his illustrious solo career, Pascal Rogé is an avid chamber musician and regularly performs alongside his partner, Elena Font, with whom he gives highly acclaimed two-piano recitals. His artistry continues to be a defining voice in the interpretation of French music, earning him numerous awards, including the Gramophone Award, Edison Award, and Diapason d’Or.
A passionate educator, Rogé also shares his expertise with younger generations through masterclasses and teaching engagements at leading institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London.
Pascal Rogé’s refined playing and deep connection to French music have left an indelible mark on the classical world, and he continues to enchant audiences globally with his timeless artistry.
Elena Font is a Spanish pianist who has quickly established herself as a dynamic and versatile performer on the international stage. Born in 2000, she began her musical studies in Castellón and continued her advanced training at prestigious institutions including the Conservatori Liceu de Barcelona and Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC), where she worked with Antoni Besses. She went on to complete her Diplôme d’Artiste at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, under the guidance of Denis Pascal.
In recent years, Elena has performed widely across Europe, captivating audiences with her expressive interpretations and the personal vision of her repertoire. Highlights of her 2024 season include solo performances at the Salle Cortot in Paris, Bellapais Music Festival in Cyprus and Theatro José de Alencar in Fortaleza, Brazil as well as appearances as a soloist with the Ópera de Massy Orchestra. Her 2023 engagements saw her featured at well-regarded venues such as King’s Art College in England and Deià Music Festival in Spain.
Elena has garnered several awards throughout her career, including the Dávalos-Fletcher Scholarship (2024) and first prize at the Antoni Besses Competition (2020). In addition to her solo work, she is an avid chamber musician and regularly collaborates with flautist Albert Mora. Her repertoire spans classical to contemporary works, with a particular affinity for French music, which she plans to showcase in her upcoming solo CD "Images", distributed by Onyx under Rogé Editions.
As the artistic director of Festival ARC Clàssica, Elena has curated a number of warmly received concerts, thus contributing to the cultural scene in her hometown of Castellón, Spain. Elena’s 2025 tour schedule includes performances in the UK, Brazil and Europe. Elena has a regular duo with the French pianist Pascal Rogé, with whom she will be recording a two-piano album, featuring works by Francis Poulenc.