Firebird and Cinderella

Stéphane Denève leads the first performances of his two-week residency in Philadelphia: an evening dedicated to dance music and a first-time collaboration with the dancers of Philadanco. The program features large-scale suites from beloved fairytale stories by two legendary Russian composers—-Stravinsky and Prokofiev. Stravinsky set the tale of a magical Firebird, based on a mythical Russian legend, as his first major success with the Ballets Russes in Paris. And Prokofiev’s take on the Cinderella fairytale, complete with elegant waltzes and midnight chimes, was premiered by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Both works, performed in concert version only, are incredible orchestral showpieces in their own right.

The Orchestra collaborates with Philadanco for a unique presentation of Poulenc’s Aubade, a choreographic concerto for 18 instruments, solo piano, and dancers. This animated and expressive work, based on the mythological tale of Diana, depicts her struggle between love and purity, passion and loneliness. Philadanco brings its unique fusion of contemporary and classical styles to this stunning presentation.

Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks, also written for a smaller ensemble, marks a sharp contrast from his early ballet scores. Written in a neo-classical style, this work has inspired dance interpretations as well, most famously by Jerome Robbins.