When you put all the genres in a cauldron:
Ma Mère l’Oye is what happens when a grown-up sophisticated composer insists on dressing a child’s piece in silk: Ravel spoils the innocence with his harmony and orchestral superpower, and you can’t quite decide whether to thank him or scold him.
Poulenc’s Gloria arrives in full sacred dress — a lot of Handel, a little Bach tucked between the devotions — though Poulenc’s own mischief keeps slipping in around the corners.
The “Organ” Symphony is as promised properly impressive with a chorus plus an organ. When the organ finally roared, I caught myself wishing Symphony Center had a vast chandelier overhead — hello, donors?
The conductor and the orchestra were at odds now and then, but nothing fatal
The soprano of the evening was Erin Morley, with a beautiful voice and the most gorgeous couture — supplying the extra Poulenc flare the night needed:
The dress is from Alex Teih Couture