VPM – The Richmond Ballet presents “Firebird with Serenade”

VPM | By Mike Goldberg | Published February 14, 2023 at 6:17 PM EST | Updated October 6, 2025

Izabella Tokev, Richmond Ballet (Eric Lusher)

The Richmond Ballet is collaborating with the Richmond Symphony this weekend on their program “Firebird with Serenade.” The performances open with George Balanchine’s “Serenade,” a setting of the Serenade for Strings by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This was the first ballet Balanchine choreographed in the United States, marking a turning point in the history of American ballet.

Then comes the debut of Ma Cong’s one-act Firebird, with the famous score by Igor Stravinsky. Featuring powerful choreography and striking costumes, sets and lighting, it’s not too be missed!

I sat down with Ma Cong and conductor Erin Freeman to bring you a preview of this wonderful production! The performances are Friday and Saturday evening (2/17 & 18) at 7pm and Sunday afternoon (2/19) at 2pm in the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center.

Yours in good music,
Mike Goldberg
Classical Host, VPM Music

Read & listen to the full interview HERE.