Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations

Prokofiev Classical Symphony, Op. 25
Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33
Mozart Come Scoglio (Fiordiligi’s Aria from ‘Così fan Tutte’)
Mozart Symphony no. 39 in E flat, K. 543

London Firebird Orchestra
Conductor George Jackson
Cello Aleksei Kiseliov
Soprano Elizabeth Karani

Aleksei Kiseliov returns to London for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. Originally from Belarus, Aleksei’s youth was studded with successes, winning prizes at the Tchaikovsky International Youth Competition at the age of 12, “Belarus Pupil of the Year” and giving concerts in Germany, Holland, France and England.

Eleven years a Principal Cellist of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra were followed by an appointment with the Swedish Radio Orchestra, a role he combines with solo concerts and concertos around the world. Our Patron Dame Judi Dench once said “Aleksei Kiseliov’s performance was just sublime.”

We complement the variations with Mozart’s beloved Symphony no. 39 in E flat. An early eyewitness at a Mozart Memorial concert in Hamburg in 1792 said: “The opening is 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.”

At the start of the second half, we are joined by Elizabeth Karani fresh from the stages of the Royal Opera House, Grange Park, English Touring Opera and Opera Holland Park. Elizabeth is singing Fiordiligi’s fabulous aria from Cosi fan Tutte.

Our concert extends the classical theme with neoclassicism in its opener, Prokofiev’s thrilling Classical Symphony – a short 15-minute work in four movements. Filled with excitement and charm, the work was composed as a modern reinterpretation of the style of Hadyn and Mozart. Ballet-lovers will recognise the third movement’s Gavotte theme from the composer’s ever-beloved Romeo & Juliet.

Tickets: £45 | £35 | £25

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