The idea of commissioning the Firebird ballet precisely from Stravinsky came to Diaghilev during a concert featuring performance of one of the composer’s early works, Firework. Says choreographer and ballet master Fokine: “This work was not a particular success with the audiences, but both Diaghilev and I were fascinated by its music. It had precisely what we needed for Firebird – its music blazed, shined, sparkled. That was just what I needed for the fiery figure in my ballet…” Stravinski started working on the ballet with enthusiasm, in close cooperation with Fokine. Diaghilev was in Petersburg with his company at the time, so the composer had to deliver the music to him piecemeal, with Fokine instantly producing the dance numbers. The ballet was completed in time and the company set off for Paris, where Stravinsky also arrived after a short break from his intensive work. The premiere of The Firebird took place on 25 June 1910 on the stage of the Grand Opera in Paris. It was attended by the entire high-life of Paris:  Marcel Proust, Jean Giraudoux, Paul Claudel, Morris Ravel, Claude Debussy, Florent Schmitt, Manuel de Falla. The performance was a colossal success.  Within a day, the hitherto absolutely obscure Russian composer had become a celebrity.