The Robin and the Fir Tree

8 Nov

Written by Lawrence Killian

I’m delighted to introduce The Robin and the Fir Tree, my new 15-minute work for narrator and orchestra, with story and narration by Sarah Johnston. Inspired by an old European folk tale, it follows an injured robin who finds shelter in a kindly fir tree - a Christmas story of friendship, kindness and gratitude. Have a listen to the story with music below, also watch the video on YouTube:

The Robin and the Fir Tree, for narrator and orchestra. Music by Lawrence Killian; script by Sarah Johnston. Approximately 15 minutes. A robin rests in a snow-covered fir tree. — ***The Robin and the Fir Tree***

The colourful orchestral score brings the forest and its changing seasons to life, from autumn woods and winter storms to the gentle return of spring. Listeners may recognise echoes of Tchaikovsky’s *The Nutcracker*, alongside musical ideas inspired by Arnold Bax’s *Spring Fire*.
The **world premiere** will be given by **Banbury Symphony Orchestra**, conducted by **Paul Willett**, on **Saturday 5 December 2026 at 4pm**, at **St Mary’s Church, Banbury**. Join us for an afternoon of Christmas music and carols for all the family. Book tickets here.

Have a look at the fully illustrated story on YouTube.

Lawrence Killian

After a successful career spanning four decades in music, commerce, and education, and following his retirement as an Education Consultant in 2017, Lawrence has resumed his focus on music composition, and orchestral conducting.

https://www.lkillian.com

The Robin and the Fir Tree

The colourful orchestral score brings the forest and its changing seasons to life, from autumn woods and winter storms to the gentle return of spring. Listeners may recognise echoes of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, alongside musical ideas inspired by Arnold Bax’s Spring Fire.

The world premiere will be given by Banbury Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Paul Willett, on Saturday 5 December 2026 at 4pm, at St Mary’s Church, Banbury. Join us for an afternoon of Christmas music and carols for all the family. Book tickets here.

The Robin and the Fir Tree

The colourful orchestral score brings the forest and its changing seasons to life, from autumn woods and winter storms to the gentle return of spring. Listeners may recognise echoes of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, alongside musical ideas inspired by Arnold Bax’s Spring Fire.

The world premiere will be given by Banbury Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Paul Willett, on Saturday 5 December 2026 at 4pm, at St Mary’s Church, Banbury. Join us for an afternoon of Christmas music and carols for all the family. Book tickets here.

Phoenix Brass Ensemble at Thorington