New York Philharmonic, Petrushka

The peerless New York Philharmonic bring their Barbican residency to an end with a bang with three of the twentieth century’s most colourful ballet scores. The acclaimed theatre company Giants are Small reimagine Petrushka, bringing Stravinsky’s music to life in an innovative multimedia staging.
Petrushka is a fantastical tale of love and jealousy set in rural Russia. Three puppets are brought to life during a Shrovetide Fair, although the love triangle ends badly for one of them. With brilliant harmonies, folk-style tunes and vivid characterisations, Stravinsky’s music caused a sensation at the work’s premiere and is no less striking today. Giants are Small realize the fantastical scenario with puppets, dancers and electronic visuals, ensuring that the work will be a treat for both eyes and ears.
Petrushka is complemented by two other ballets from the first quarter of the twentieth century, Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin and Debussy’s Jeux. Influenced by Stravinsky, the former work caused a scandal at its premiere due to its tale of seduction and death. Dazzling orchestration (complete with blaring brass and searing strings), urgent rhythms and testing instrumental writing make this a dynamic and engaging work. Debussy’s Jeux is based on a somewhat lighter scenario: written for the world-famous Ballet Russes series to accompany a flirtatious game of tennis, the music is luxurious, flexible and light-hearted.
The New York Philharmonic are regarded as one of the world’s top orchestras, commanding packed houses at concert halls across the globe. This virtuoso programme will certainly show them at their most impressive: book now.