Classical music was forever changed with the premiere of SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE on December 5, 1830, introducing audiences to the exhilarating sounds of a modern orchestra. Exciting and innovative, the work influenced every subsequent composer because of the power and novelty of the melody, its form, harmony and orchestration. Under composer Hector Berlioz´s direction, the orchestra ventured places musically that had never been explored, soaring with the freedom, fantasy and originality that were the hallmarks of the Romantics. MONTPELLIER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Montpellier Philharmonic Orchestra has emerged in a brief period of time as one of the outstanding French musical ensembles. Galvanized by the eminently successful Cyril Diederich, who holds the title of conductor and musical director, this group is now being recognized outside of the region and beyond the borders of France for the quality of its performances. CYRIL DIEDERICH, Conductor First playing the piano, the horn and percussion, Cyril Diederich finally conducted at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris. He obtained first prize in conducting at the International Competition of Firenze and became the associated conductor for the Tolouse Orchestra and the Lille Orchestra. After winning the special prize of the jury at the Katowice International Competition in Poland, he became the musical director of the Montpellier Orchestra. He premieres several contemporary works and conducts all over Europe.