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Stravinsky’s Firebird

First performed: Wed 11 August 2021

Stravinsky’s Firebird, deconstructed and reassembled by Aurora Orchestra, presenter Tom Service, and conductor Nicholas Collon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “deeply-felt, immersive music-making at its best” (Barry Millington, Evening Standard)

In this memorised production of Stravinsky’s Firebird, Aurora takes a deep dive into the Russian fairy tales and folk melodies of Stravinsky’s magical Firebird suite, one of the great ballet scores of the 20th Century. How does Stravinsky create a feeling of unease for the antagonist? What does the incandescent flight of the Firebird in the night sky sound like? And how does he build up the terror of the infernal dance, part by part? Our Orchestral Theatre presentation reveals music to listen out for before we perform the whole electrifying work in signature memorised style.

Inside Stravinsky’s Firebird: Immersive performances

In October 2024 we performed at new London club and culture venue DRUMSHEDS for the first time. With the audience placed within the orchestra, we filled the room with the bold minimalism of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The confidence, clarity and precision with which it was delivered.. took one’s breath away.” (Richard Morrison, The Times)

For the first time, we also welcomed secondary school and A-Level students into the orchestra. Following an introductory talk about the music they were about to hear, they headed into the main DRUMSHEDS space.

“There was genuine awe on display from our students.” (Teacher feedback)