Laurent Petitgirard’s eclectic career as a composer of lyrical and intensely French symphonic music, operas and chamber music is matched by conducting activities at the highest level—experience that accounts for the colourful richness of his orchestration. The rhapsodic concerto États d’âme explores the saxophone’s vocal expressiveness. Of the three symphonic poems Le Marathon is an allegory in which the runners represent birth, love and death, while Flaine is a poignant and inspiring journey through art and culture. ‘Anyone enjoying accessible contemporary music will find much to enjoy here.’ (MusicWeb International on Petitgirard’s Concertos for String Instruments, Naxos 8.557602)