Stravinsky’s Firebird

Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird remains one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. This afternoon, the classic 1910 ballet will be performed in a rarely heard version: for just one piano! Such a feat is perfectly suited to the nimble hands of Mattias Spee, the young pianist and composer who has made a name for himself in recent years with his adventurous performances. In Stravinsky’s own piano arrangement, the music’s magnificent palette of colours is brought vividly to life.

Stravinsky based his ballet on a Russian folk tale about the magical Firebird, who joins forces with a young prince to battle an evil sorcerer. Its premiere with the Ballets Russes in Paris marked his major breakthrough as a composer. During the 2023-2024 season, Mattias Spee was a finalist in the Dutch Classical Talent programme and is considered one of the Netherlands’ most formidable piano talents. 

Outdoor concert
This Terrace Concert is an outdoor event. The sun can be intense and the wind can be quite strong near the water, so come prepared. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions, the performance will be held indoors in the Entrance Hall, which overlooks the river IJ.