The Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Française” concert presents a complete miniature symphony characterized by elegance, delicacy, and sweetness. The first movement begins with a slow introduction reminiscent of Haydn, followed by an Allegretto in sonata form. The second movement highlights the addition of a solo flute. The scherzo that follows is based on a hunting theme and leads into a lively finale in the fourth movement, bringing the symphony to a spirited close.

Charles Gounod composed Petite symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent ("Little Symphony for Winds") in 1885. Commissioned by his friend Paul Taffanel—flute professor at the Paris Conservatoire—Gounod wrote the piece for a wind octet plus an added flute part in honor of Taffanel. The work draws inspiration from Mozart’s wind serenades and stands as a hallmark of French Romantic wind repertoire.

The concert will also feature chamber ensembles performing additional works by French composers and music from the same period.