Tchaikovsky’s First Concerto

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto no. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23
Rachmaninoff Symphony no. 2 in E minor, Op. 27

London Firebird Orchestra
Conductor George Jackson
Piano Marc Corbett-Weaver

Described by Seen & Heard International as “full of fire and brimstone” and “as full-blooded as possible,” Firebird’s Artistic Director Marc Corbett-Weaver joins the orchestra as soloist in Tchaikovsky’s epically popular Piano Concerto no. 1.

Famously declared unplayable by Nikolai Rubenstein, the concerto opens with a famous romantic theme – inspired by folk musicians playing in the market in Kiev – which links melodically to each of the principal melodies of the entire piece.

This Russian-themed concert concludes the orchestra’s 14th season and follows a similar performance in June 2025, featuring a Rachmaninoff Concerto and a Tchaikovsky Symphony.

Tonight we continue the theme, by swapping the composers and genres around. Like his Piano Concerto no. 2, which followed his famous depression, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony no. 2 also earned the composer a Glinka Award, and was rapturously received.

George Jackson conducts, fresh from his concerts with the Amarillo Orchestra in Texas and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Tickets: £45 | £35 | £25

Box office: buy tickets online via Ticketsource