The Firebird by Various, Alkaen (2022/2022), Musiikinjohto Esa-Pekka Salonen, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, United States

Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird tells the story of a young prince who defeats an evil king with a golden egg. Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the Orchestra in the complete score, from its first explosive dance to its last gorgeous lullaby. Also inspired by folklore, Jean Sibelius’s brooding Luonnotar narrates the creation of the heavens and earth, sung by soprano Golda Schultz. To open the program, the SF Symphony commissioned Daniel Kidane to write Sun Poem—a U.S. premiere from a composer who weaves classical music together with echoes of urban nightlife.