Coming up in Philly music: globalizing the French tradition

From the time of the Baroque, French composers have been fascinated by the sounds different instrumental combinations can make. At Astral Artists’s next showcase for up-and-coming young performers, eight Astral Artists will explore an instrumental kaleidoscope that includes strings, harp, flute, and saxophone. Two of the pieces on the program are masterpieces from France itself —Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola & Harp and Franck’s Piano Quintet. The opener, Marc Eychenne’s Cantilène et Danse, extends the French tradition to Algeria and the fourth item, Akashi Yoshimatsu’s “Dream Colored Mobile,” stretches it around the world to Japan.

Astral Artists will present French Connection on Saturday, February 20 at 7:30pm at the Trinity Center for the Performing Arts, 22nd and Spruce Streets. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors, and $5 for students, and they’re available online, by calling 215-735-6999, and at the door.