- This programme offers a musical journey between German and French Romanticism, exploring Schumann’s intense emotions and Berlioz’s melancholic poetry.
The "Berlioz / Schumann" concert La Seine Musicale on 26 and 27 February 2027
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What to expect
Immerse yourself in an exceptional evening where two major worlds of European Romanticism meet and respond to one another in an intense and deeply moving musical dialogue. The Berlioz / Schumann programme offers a rare immersion into contrasting soundscapes, moving between inner turmoil, intimate poetry, and luminous bursts of emotion.
Led by the excellence of the Insula Orchestra, under the inspired direction of Laurence Equilbey, this concert highlights the full expressive richness of Romantic music performed on period instruments. Alongside them, the sensitive and deeply expressive voice of mezzo-soprano Marianne Crebassa embodies the deepest emotions of this repertoire.
Berlioz / Schumann – A Romantic journey between shadow and light
A meeting between two giants of Romanticism
The programme revolves around two essential figures: Robert Schumann and Hector Berlioz, each bringing their own unique vision of the world and human emotions.
Schumann opens the evening with Manfred, a work inspired by Byron’s poem. This overture immediately plunges the listener into an intense and dramatic atmosphere. It tells the story of the inner conflicts of a tormented hero, searching for meaning, lost between his own emotions and impossible aspirations. This powerful introduction establishes a captivating musical tension from the very first notes.
Then, the Symphony No. 3, known as the “Rhenish” Symphony, broadens the emotional landscape. Inspired by the scenery of the Rhine, this work conveys a more luminous, almost pictorial vision, where nature and human aspirations come together in a grand orchestral fresco. It creates a striking contrast with the darkness of Manfred, like a rise towards clarity and serenity.
Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été: a poetic interlude
At the heart of the programme, Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été brings a deeply intimate and poetic dimension. These melodies, written to poems by Théophile Gautier, explore universal feelings of love, nostalgia, separation, and remembrance.
Mezzo-soprano Marianne Crebassa reveals the full richness of her interpretation. Her voice, both delicate and expressive, brings every emotional nuance of these musical pages to life. The orchestra’s accompaniment on historical instruments enhances the subtlety and warmth of this work, creating an atmosphere almost suspended in time.
This moment of the concert acts as an inner breath, a space where each audience member can be carried away by the sensitivity of the texts and the refinement of the harmonies.
Insula Orchestra and Laurence Equilbey: an exceptional interpretation
This concert is carried by the Insula Orchestra, an ensemble recognised for its historically informed approach to the Romantic repertoire. The use of period instruments allows these works to be rediscovered in a new light, more authentic and closer to their original sound.
At the helm, Laurence Equilbey brings a precise and passionate energy. Founder of the ensemble, she has developed over the years a demanding artistic vision that places emotion and musical coherence at the centre of every interpretation. Her work gives this programme a unique intensity, where every sonic detail takes on its full meaning.
Concert venue
The performance takes place in a prestigious setting: La Seine Musicale, located on Île Seguin. This modern venue, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, provides an immersive experience ideally suited to symphonic music.
The auditorium offers a strong sense of proximity with the artists, enhancing the emotional impact of the concert and creating a genuine connection between the audience and the performers.
Times and duration
Two performances are offered to allow as many people as possible to enjoy this musical experience:
- Friday 26 February 2027 at 8:00 pm
- Saturday 27 February 2027 at 6:00 pm
The total duration of the concert is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes including an interval, offering the perfect balance between musical intensity and a moment of pause.
Practical information and prices
Tickets are available from €10, with several price categories depending on the seat location in the venue. This range of prices allows everyone to experience the performance according to their preferences and budget.
It is strongly recommended to book in advance, as this type of programme bringing together internationally renowned artists and a major work of the Romantic repertoire attracts a large audience. The best seats are often taken quickly.
Why is this concert a must-see?
This concert is not simply a musical performance. It is a true emotional journey through two complementary worlds: one dark and introspective, the other luminous and expansive.
The encounter between Schumann and Berlioz reveals Romantic music in all its diversity. The alternation between drama, poetry, and orchestral grandeur creates an immersive experience that speaks as much to the intellect as it does to the emotions.
The presence of Marianne Crebassa, the direction of Laurence Equilbey, and the meticulous work of the Insula Orchestra guarantee an exceptional artistic level, rarely brought together in a single programme.
An experience to be lived in person
Attending this concert means experiencing a suspended moment, where music becomes a universal language. Each work tells a story, each note carries an emotion, and each silence has its place in this journey.
Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or simply curious to discover a rich and sensitive universe, this programme offers an ideal gateway into European Romanticism.
Experience an unforgettable musical experience as a group.
Are you organising an event for a group of more than 10 people?
Map
92100 Boulogne-Billancourt

Pont de Sèvres