Few events in musical history are as (in)famous as the World Premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, The Rite of Spring. On May 29, 1913 at the Théâtre Des Champs-Elysées in Paris, a riot greeted one of the most important compositions of the 20th century. The conductor on the night of the premiere, Pierre Monteux, recalls “everything available was tossed in our direction, but we continued to play on.” Musicians today regard the story of the premiere as legend, often wistfully dreaming “if only I could have been in the room on that night…” Despite romantic hindsight, we insist that you leave any wilted cabbage or rotten tomatoes at home, as we have no interest in a second riot!

Instead, we will explore this great work through the composer’s version for piano four-hands, featuring virtuoso pianists, Oksana Ezhokina and Christina Dahl. Stravinsky’s masterpiece sounds as strikingly primal and raw as it did over one hundred years ago. We’ll look at the ballet’s kaleidoscopic evocations of nature and pagan ritual, and delve into the rhythmic revolution of Stravinsky’s score. WWCMF is delighted to return to the gallery at Foundry Vineyards for this truly Special Event.

Artists: Christina Dahl, piano; and Oksana Ezhokina, piano.

Commentary: Timothy Christie