Sergei Prokofiev wrote the music and text for Peter and the Wolf in 1936, and referred to the work as a “musical tale for children”. In addition to its musical and narrative qualities, it provides young people with an attractive musical approach to the instruments of the orchestra. Audiences have been immediately captivated by it ever since its premiere in Moscow. On the other hand, although composed in 1886, The Carnival of the Animals was only premiered in its entirety in 1922, at the express request of Saint-Saëns. Afraid that the playful character of the music could detract from the public perception of his artistic seriousness, he only authorised the public performance of the Swan before his death.

Gulbenkian Orchestra
Jean-Marc Burfin Conductor
António Rosado Piano
Eurico Rosado Piano
Carla Bolito Narradora

Sergei Prokofiev
Peter and the Wolf, op. 67

Camille Saint-Saëns
The Carnival of the Animals