Firebird

Igor Stravinksy’s Firebird is one of the most thrilling ballet scores of the 20th century, a kaleidoscope of musical colour that conjures a supernatural world filled with dancing princesses, evil sorcerers and mythical creatures. Before we reach this towering tale, however, we begin with another work drawn from the world of Russian folklore: the ‘Overture’ from Mikhail Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmila. From the first note its energetic brass fanfares and exhilarating string passages presage the epic quest to come. 

Between these two tales is another work with literary origins, however this time conjuring the finery and frivolity of 18th Century aristocrats: Claude Debussy’s Petite Suite. Based on Paul Verlaine’s Fêtes galantes, whilst the subjects of this story are not supernatural, they are rendered with vivid colour, charm and wit. 

Led by dynamic conductor Sam Weller, this program will be an exhilarating ride full of colour, drama and wonder.