19 July 2025

NZSO Firebird: Ravel and Stravinsky

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of mythical legend and Spanish delights with pianist Javier Perianes.

Spanish pianist Javier Perianes, able to “make the piano sing and glitter with alert, polished brilliance” – Sydney Morning Herald, joins us for two virtuoso masterworks.

Programme

  • J Ritchie Papanui Road Concert Overture
  • de Falla Nights in the Gardens of Spain
  • Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major
  • Stravinsky Suite from The Firebird (1945 version)

Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G explores both Ravel’s Spanish Basque roots and the enlivening rhythms of jazz, while de Falla’s portrait of Andalusian Spain is darker, dramatic, and seductive.

Meanwhile, Stravinsky’s Firebird conjures images of the magical glowing bird of Russian myth, but John Ritchie brings us back to earth with the clanging tramcar bell and 1950s hustle of Christchurch’s Papanui Road.

Leading our tour of these pictorial works is the winner of the Finnish critics’ prize 2021 for the Best Newcomer in the Arts, Emilia Hoving. “Hoving is a conductor on the rise, and for good reason. She has a highly precise, refined and inventive conducting technique that combines airy breathability with power” – Turku Sanomat.

Show on map

Spanish pianist Javier Perianes, able to “make the piano sing and glitter with alert, polished brilliance” – Sydney Morning Herald, joins us for two virtuoso masterworks.

Programme

  • J Ritchie Papanui Road Concert Overture
  • de Falla Nights in the Gardens of Spain
  • Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major
  • Stravinsky Suite from The Firebird (1945 version)

Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G explores both Ravel’s Spanish Basque roots and the enlivening rhythms of jazz, while de Falla’s portrait of Andalusian Spain is darker, dramatic, and seductive.

Meanwhile, Stravinsky’s Firebird conjures images of the magical glowing bird of Russian myth, but John Ritchie brings us back to earth with the clanging tramcar bell and 1950s hustle of Christchurch’s Papanui Road.

Leading our tour of these pictorial works is the winner of the Finnish critics’ prize 2021 for the Best Newcomer in the Arts, Emilia Hoving. “Hoving is a conductor on the rise, and for good reason. She has a highly precise, refined and inventive conducting technique that combines airy breathability with power” – Turku Sanomat.

Location
Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central

Event contact

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
0800 479 674
info@nzso.co.nz www.nzso.co.nz/the-nzso/events-tickets/events/firebird

Other events you may be interested in

Kōpū

Stay connected with the app

Download the What's On app and discover what's on in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Get it on Google Play Get it on Apple Store

Takiuru ki ā mātou ratonga
Log in to our services