The BBC Symphony Orchestra is launching a French focus this season at London's Barbican, and will welcome six French conductors to the podium, perform with 10 French soloists and present music by 22 different French composers.

The season begins on October 26 when Marc Minkowski conducts Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. Further highlights include Berlioz’s L'enfance du Christ conducted by François-Xavier Roth (Dec 15); a world premiere by Tristan Murail (Nov 2); UK premieres of Hugues Dufourt’s Piano Concerto (Jan 22), Gérard Pesson’s Ravel à son âme (Jan 29) and Pascal Dusapin’s Violin Concerto performed by Renaud Capuçon (May 3); Messiaen’s Éclairs sur l’au-delà… led by French conductor Sylvain Cambreling (March 19) and numerous orchestral pieces by Ravel and Debussy.

Other leading French artists include pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque (Jan 16) and conductor Lionel Bringuier (Jan 29), while the final concert of the season features Poulenc’s opera Les mamelles de Tirésias alongside Fauré’s Requiem (May 24).

Meanwhile, the BBC Singers will launch their 'Singers at Six' season with 'Les Six at Six', performing works by Auric, Durey, Milhaud and Poulenc on October 26.

For full details visit barbican.org.uk