Music & Mayhem at St George’s

It’s time for Music & Mayhem this month as we launch 2023 with a bang at our next Firebird concert in our series of European classics…

A much-loved overture by Mozart, one of the world’s most famous symphonies by Beethoven and probably the greatest cello concerto of all time by Saint-Saëns make up this sensational programme on Tuesday 7 February at St George’s Hanover Square.

Although from different generations, both Mozart and Beethoven were associated with the Masonic lodges of Vienna. Both composers were influenced by the fraternal ideal of the Order of the Illuminati, which believed in fighting the abuses of State power, the abuses of religion, and superstition, and in awakening and enlivening the human soul with their music.

Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute is noted for its prominent Masonic elements while the opening of Beethoven’s great 5th Symphony must be one of the best-known compositions in classical music.

The star of the show will be brilliant cellist, Maciej Kułakowski who, at very short notice, has replaced Jamal Aliyev who is unfortunately indisposed, who will perform Saint-Saëns’ dramatic and beautiful Cello Concerto – hugely demanding and bursting all the conventions of its time. No wonder this concerto is considered by many to be the greatest of all cello concertos.

“…of the intelligence and artistry on display there is no doubt.“

BBC Music Magazine (5 star review of the playing of Maciej Lułakowski)

Music & Mayhem

London Firebird Orchestra
Conductor George Jackson
Cello Maciej Kułakowski 

Tuesday 7 February 2023, 7.30 pm

Mozart Overture to Die Zauberflöte, K.620
Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1 in A minor, Op.33
Beethoven Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op.67

With free digital programme