Join a historic musical event on Wednesday, February 19th, as flutist and composer Nikka Gershman presents the world premiere of her original transcription of Maurice Ravel’s “La Valse” for flute and piano. This groundbreaking performance, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth, will take place at 6:00 PM in Paul Hall at The Juilliard School.
Gershman’s transcription brings Ravel’s rich and mesmerizing harmonies to life, capturing the essence of the original orchestration through the intricate interplay between flute and piano. Collaborating with pianist Saul Ibarra Ramos, a fellow Kovner Fellow and acclaimed Artistic Director of ‘Festival de Música Axixic Haus der Musik’, the duo aims to envelop the audience in the full sonic experience of an orchestra.
At just 17, Gershman has already made significant strides in the classical music world. As the youngest-ever Kovner Fellow, she was accepted into Juilliard at 15 and has since been recognized as the Emerging Artist of the Year 2024 by the Global Flute Excellence Awards. Her innovative approach and dedication to expanding the flute repertoire have garnered international acclaim.
This premiere is part of Juilliard’s Sonatenabend series, typically featuring graduate-level students. Gershman stands out as the sole undergraduate musician on the program, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication.
About Ravel’s La Valse
Maurice Ravel’s La Valse is a choreographic poem for orchestra, composed between 1919 and 1920. Originally envisioned in 1906 as a tribute to the Viennese waltz and Johann Strauss II, Ravel postponed its composition due to World War I. The war’s impact gave the piece darker, more intense undertones, leading some to interpret it as a reflection on post-war Europe—though Ravel himself denied any symbolic intent.
La Valse begins with a mysterious introduction, evoking swirling mist through which waltzing couples gradually emerge. The music progresses through a series of increasingly turbulent and dissonant waltzes, culminating in a frenzied, almost catastrophic climax. Its dramatic structure and complex orchestration have cemented its place as one of Ravel’s most celebrated works.
Although Ravel originally intended La Valse for a ballet, Sergei Diaghilev of the Ballets Russes rejected it, leading to a lasting rift between him and the composer. The piece premiered as an orchestral work in December 1920 in Paris and has since been choreographed by numerous artists, including George Balanchine and Frederick Ashton. Today, La Valse remains a cornerstone of orchestral repertoire, admired for its evocative depiction of grandeur and decay.
Don’t Miss This Historic Premiere
With Nikka Gershman’s groundbreaking transcription, La Valse will now enter the flute repertoire for the first time. This event is free and open to the public – no tickets required.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available at:
Juilliard Livestream – Sonatenabend
