Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
The Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse is among France's most visible orchestral ensembles internationally and was named one of France's three best orchestras by the Paris newspaper Le Figaro. Originally established as the opera orchestra of the Théâtre du Capitole, the group continues to fulfill that function.
The Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse dates back to the early 19th century when it was organized to accompany operas and theatrical presentations at the Théâtre du Capitole (the "Capitole" is the Toulouse city hall). Even before World War II, the orchestra had top-notch conductors: André Cluytens held the baton beginning in 1932, and longtime Lyric Opera of Chicago conductor Georges Prêtre led the group from 1951 to 1955. The orchestra remained mostly associated with opera, however, until the appointment of Michel Plasson as music director in 1968. Plasson changed the orchestra in many ways, introducing symphonic concerts (the group moved in 1974 into the Halle aux Grains in Toulouse, a former wheat market and boxing arena, for these), raising musical standards, and instituting a touring program that rapidly gained international attention. Plasson generally programmed French music, including many little-known works, but he also led the orchestra in complete cycles of Beethoven's symphonies and piano concertos. In 1980, the orchestra joined France's roster of "national" ensembles, and that term was added to its name. The orchestra during this period also, exceptionally among French ensembles, attracted substantial corporate support from a consortium using the acronym "AÏDA"; this included the aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Top-flight opera singers, including Teresa Berganza, José Carreras, and Jessye Norman, graced the Capitole stage during Plasson's tenure, and the career of star soprano Natalie Dessay began when she sang in the orchestra's associated choir.
Plasson stepped down in 2003 amid disputes with the city of Toulouse, and in 2005, he was replaced by Tugan Sokhiev, who became principal guest conductor at first, and music director and principal conductor in 2008. Sokhiev broadened the orchestra's repertory and carried forward its broadcast activities and enthusiastic children's programming. The orchestra became a common presence at French summer festivals. Sokhiev also continued the orchestra's vigorous recording program, which began under Plasson; the orchestra recorded for EMI and moved to the Naïve label for a recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, in 2011. In 2020, the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse released a recording of the Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 in C minor, Op. 65, on the Warner Classics label.
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Discography
13 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Bizet: L'arlésienne, Op. 23, WD 28 (Remastered 2024)
Orfeon Donostiarra, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Michel Plasson, Jon Tolansky
Classical - Released by SOMM Recordings on Feb 9, 2024
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Camille Saint-Saëns: La princesse jaune
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Leo Hussain
Classical - Released by Bru Zane on Aug 27, 2021
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Bizet: Carmen
Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Thomas Hampson, Inva Mula, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Opera - Released by Warner Classics on Feb 15, 2003
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Ravel: Les concertos pour piano - Debussy: Fantaisie
François-René Duchable, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Michel Plasson
Classical - Released by Parlophone (France) on Dec 20, 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10, Op. 93
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Classical - Released by Warner Classics on May 20, 2022
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette
Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Michel Plasson
Classical - Released by Warner Classics on Mar 1, 1998
The Qobuz Essential Discography16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Bizet: Carmen
Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Thomas Hampson, Inva Mula, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Opera - Released by Warner Classics on Feb 15, 2003
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Shostakovich : Symphony No. 8
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Tugan Sokhiev
Classical - Released by Warner Classics on Mar 6, 2020
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Honegger : Pacific 231, Pastorale d'été, Horace victorieux, Rugby, Mermoz...
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Michel Plasson
Symphonic Music - Released by Deutsche Grammophon (DG) on Jan 1, 1993
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Sacred Songs
Roberto Alagna, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Michel Plasson, Choir Du Capitole De Toulouse
Classical - Released by Deutsche Grammophon (DG) on Jan 1, 1996
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Vivaldi: Andante from Concerto for 2 Mandolins, RV 532
Julien Martineau, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Wilson Ng
Classical - Released by naïve on Sep 8, 2023
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Carmen (Extraits)
Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Thomas Hampson, Inva Mula, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Opera Extracts - Released by Parlophone (France) on Apr 6, 2004
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Milhaud: Symphonies Nos. 1& 2; Suite provençale
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Michel Plasson
Classical - Released by Decca (UMO) on Jan 1, 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo