19 February, 16:45-18:15
Aurora Orchestra’s The Rite of Spring
Presented by YLE, the Finnish Broadcasting Company
A revolutionary piece of music, by a revolutionary ensemble. Aurora Orchestra brings its unique ‘Orchestral Theatre’ approach to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, in a world-first memorised performance of Stravinsky’s masterpiece. Introduced by conductor Nicholas Collon.
The Rite of Spring's story was the scandal that sounded the beginning of modern music – a riot onstage, as well as off. In this brand-new recording of a 2023 world premiere production, filmed live in Helsinki's Musiikitalo, Aurora Orchestra invites you under the skin of Stravinsky's iconic score with a newly-created dramatic and musical introduction. With actors Charlotte Ritchie and Karl Queensborough voicing the words of the composer and his collaborators, and the help of movement, design, lighting and newly-commissioned projections by Anouar Brissel, Aurora brings the context and ideas behind the piece’s creation to life: its unprecedented use of rhythm, harmony and dissonance, and the story of its notorious premiere. This unique living programme note sets the stage for an electrifying performance of the whole ballet entirely from memory, without sheet music, stands or chairs. Get inside the music of one of the greatest works of the 20th Century with an orchestra renowned for its theatrical presentations of classical music and 'pioneers of memorised performance' (The Observer).
“Simply one of the boldest and most breathtaking achievements I have witnessed… Stravinsky and Diaghilev, the ultimate iconoclasts, would have loved it.” (The Times)
Special guests:
Nicholas Collon, Conductor
After the screening, join us for a reception featuring wine and snacks.
GENRE Concert/Performance Recording
