An evening of French music, where the orchestra paints shimmering 'Nocturnes' by Debussy, followed by Berlioz's tragic story of Cleopatra. The finale is a chamber confession in the form of Poulenc's mono-opera: one voice, one phone call, and a whole life between the words. In this program, French academic music reveals itself as a theater of sound: the orchestra dissolves colors in half-shadows, then gathers them into a tense monologue. The evening opens with Debussy's 'Nocturnes' - music where shades and movement within the texture are important. Here, you can hear how the light changes, how orchestral timbres flow into each other, and the rhythm works subtly, almost imperceptibly, keeping attention on the details. Next is Hector Berlioz's cantata 'Cleopatra'. This is a dramatic scene where the voice becomes a carrier of character and fate. Soloist Tatiana Sergean sings the part of Cleopatra, and the orchestra does not 'accompany' but argues, pushes, intensifies colors, and makes pauses sharp. The text helps to hear the inner struggle, while the musical line leads to a climax without unnecessary effects. The final point is Francis Poulenc's mono-opera 'The Human Voice' in concert performance. On stage, there is one person and one story that cannot be 'retold' without loss: speech, silence, sudden outbursts, short breaks in phrases. Yulia Matochkina holds this nerve from beginning to end, and the synchronized subtitles in Russian allow following the French text and its subtexts. At the podium is Christian Knapp, and in such a program, tempo and balance are especially important: so that Debussy retains transparency, Berlioz has a dramatic arc, and Poulenc has intimate precision. The evening will suit those who love vocal-symphonic stories, are interested in the French repertoire, and appreciate rare formats where word and music are on equal terms. The Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra is heard here in an unusual role: it knows how to be both a picturesque canvas, a partner to the singer, and a subtle psychological commentator. Such programs are valued by those who are tired of 'hits' and want to hear.