London Firebird Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations

About the Event

Nestled in the historic and acoustically exquisite St. George's Church on Hanover Square, the London Firebird Orchestra is set to present a captivating evening celebrating some of the most revered pieces in classical music. Titled 'London Firebird Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations,' this event promises to entrance both seasoned classical music aficionados and newcomers alike.

Aleksei Kiseliov makes a return to London for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. Originally from Belarus, Aleksei’s early years were marked by success, clinching prizes at the Tchaikovsky International Youth Competition at just 12, earning the title “Belarus Pupil of the Year,” and performing in Germany, Holland, France, and England.

After serving as Principal Cellist of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for eleven years, Aleksei joined the Swedish Radio Orchestra, balancing this role with solo concerts worldwide. As our Patron Dame Judi Dench remarked, “Aleksei Kiseliov’s performance was just sublime.”

Complementing the variations is Mozart’s cherished Symphony no. 39 in E flat. An early observer at a Mozart Memorial concert in Hamburg in 1792 described the opening as “so majestic that it so surprised even the coldest, most insensitive listener and non‐expert, that even if he wanted to chat, it prevented him from being inattentive, and thus, so to speak, put him in a position to become all ears.”

“It then becomes so fiery, full, ineffably grand and rich in ideas, with striking variety in almost all obbligato parts, that it is nearly impossible to follow so rapidly with ear and feeling, and one is nearly paralysed. This actual paralysis became visible in various connoisseurs and friends of music, and some admitted that they would never have been able to think or imagine they would hear something like this performed so splendidly in Hamburg.”

As the second half begins, we welcome Elizabeth Karani, fresh from the Royal Opera House, Grange Park, English Touring Opera, and Opera Holland Park stages. Elizabeth will perform Fiordiligi’s fabulous aria from Cosi fan Tutte.

The concert extends its classical theme with a touch of neoclassicism by opening with Prokofiev’s electrifying Classical Symphony—a brief, 15‐minute piece in four movements. Teeming with excitement and charm, the work reimagines the style of Haydn and Mozart. Ballet enthusiasts will recognize the third movement's Gavotte theme from the composer’s ever‐popular Romeo & Juliet.