In Performance: Debussy’s Syrinx with Sam Coles

Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Flutist Sam Coles performs Debussy’s groundbreaking work, Syrinx, in the famous Théâtre des Champs-Elysées concert hall in Paris, where Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring premiered. Syrinx was originally incidental music for a play, but now has a life of its own as part of the solo flute repertoire. Syrinx debuted in Paris in 1913, the same year as The Rite of Spring. Learn about the history of the flute in France in this film with Sam Coles: Our City of Light: Paris: 1900-1950 concert series ran from November 2014 - June 2015. Discover the rest of our videos on the woodwind section in our playlist: