When Mikko Franck became unable to lead the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France's season opening concert, Fabien stepped in to lead in his absence, conducting the orchestra in a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 as part of their back-to-school celebration. He shared the podium with Sofi Jeannin and Marc Desmons, who lead works by Bartók and Bianchi on the first half of the program.