This spring, the timeless brilliance of Beethoven and Schubert will echo through Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, as the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra presents a trio of intimate chamber music concerts. Set for April 11, 12, and 20, 2025, the performances promise a rare blend of virtuosity and emotional depth, offering audiences a chance to reconnect with the raw power and subtle beauty of classical music in its most personal form.
At the heart of the program are two masterpieces that represent the emotional extremes of the chamber repertoire. Beethoven’s Third Piano Trio in C minor sets the tone with its intense drama and rapid-fire shifts in mood, capturing the composer’s restless spirit. Schubert’s Second Piano Trio in E-flat major follows, enveloping listeners in a sweeping, melancholic warmth that has made it one of the most cherished works of the Romantic era.
What truly elevates this musical journey is the lineup of performers, each bringing a unique story and sensibility to the stage. Violinist Farid Bensaïd, founder and concertmaster of the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra, joins forces with cellist Abdessamad Alassali, a rising star nurtured by the Mazaya socio-cultural program that promotes musical education among underprivileged youth. The two are accompanied by pianist Jean-Baptiste Aucler, a seasoned performer and educator who also serves as the project’s artistic director.
These concerts are designed not just as performances, but as moments of genuine connection—between musicians, audience, and the music itself. Chamber music, by nature, thrives in smaller ensembles where every note, pause, and glance carries weight. This stripped-down format invites listeners to engage more deeply, transforming the concert into a shared emotional experience.
Each city will host its own night of this musical voyage: Rabat on April 11 at the EIMD at 7 p.m., Casablanca on April 12 at the Institut Français at 7:30 p.m., and Marrakech on April 20 at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum at 7 p.m. The choice of venues reflects a desire to blend cultural heritage with artistic excellence, creating the perfect setting for this celebration of classical music.
Farid Bensaïd, internationally acclaimed and a regular guest with the Pasdeloup Orchestra in France, has graced stages like the Philharmonie de Paris and holds the title of Chevalier of Arts and Letters. Abdessamad Alassali, whose journey from student to teacher is a testament to the power of music education, now teaches cello in both Rabat and Casablanca. Jean-Baptiste Aucler, with a French state diploma in piano pedagogy, is a driving force behind the Tenor Foundation’s cultural initiatives.
With a mix of expressive intensity and quiet intimacy, this weekend of chamber music is set to leave a lasting impression. For seasoned music lovers and curious newcomers alike, it’s a chance to hear two giants of the classical canon brought to life by a new generation of passionate performers.
