TALE OF THE FIREBIRD

Tale of the Firebird is a modern Concerto for Violin, Fire & Acrobatic Orchestra, written by Hungarian-Australian composer Chloé Charody specifically for the unique capabilities of The Freestyle Orchestra — a genre-defying interdisciplinary ensemble where each musician has parallel skills in contemporary circus and movement arts. The nine-scene musical drama explores the fusion of a virtuosic violin concerto and contemporary circus, with theatrical storytelling and visual spectacle, reimagining what a concerto can be. Each musician embodies a character, seamlessly combining their instrumental work with physical theatre, dynamic group acrobatics with instruments, aerial straps and hammock, fire eating and fire spinning, duo acrobatics, contemporary dance and aerial harp.

On the surface, Tale of the Firebird is a whimsical, balletic, fairytale-like narrative tracing the legend of the Phoenix, a mythical creature with the ability to be reborn through flame. Looking deeper, this story of resistance, death and renewal subtly underpins pertinent global themes, igniting light in life's darkest moments and revealing one of humanity's greatest weapons against oppression: hope.

Suited to all ages, it is designed for both indoor or outdoor presentation, either standalone or in expanded collaboration with local orchestras — an unforgettable, multi-layered event for your next season.

The first production of this work occurred in 2019 as part of VIVID Festival in Sydney, Australia. In 2024 the decision was made to revise, revisit and create an entirely new production of the work, with pitch presentations at Classical:Next Berlin, UP Performing Arts Festival Brussels, a research residency at CIRKLABO Leuven and selection as part of the MICC Utopians network. In February 2025 the company undertook a creation residency at Assembly Roxy Edinburgh; the work was showcased at Ypres City of Wings and Milch X Honig Festival for Interdisciplinary Performance, with pitch presentations at SIPAM, MICC and APAP New York. Preview performances occur through early 2026, with a residency at Grazer Akrosphäre in collaboration with Winterfest before a planned season at Assembly Festival, Edinburgh Fringe 2026.