Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring has always been a visual production, from the original French ballet, to Disney’s incorporation of the score in the animated feature film ‘Fantasia’.
Now it comes to the Symphony Hall, performed by the CBSO, in a modern combination of technology, film and dance, with the innovative score and choreography feeding a live 3D projection. One intended to ‘immerse audience members’ in a production that ‘will appear to take place no further than the tip of their nose’.
Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is the story of a young girl who dances to her death, sacrificing herself to ensure the coming of spring. Inspired by philosopher and painter Nicholas Roerich, Stravinsky composed the Rite of Spring between 1912 and 1913 for Serge Diaghilev‘s Ballets Russes. The Russian’s ‘anarchic use of rhythm and keys’ challenged the musical status quo of the time, even inciting a riot amongst the audience of the ballet’s 1913 Paris debut.
In Stravinsky’s Rite Of Spring 3D, Julia Mach performs the central dance, with Ilan Volkov conducting the CBSO orchestra. The young Israeli was recently named the 9th chief conductor and music director for the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Created by Klaus Obermair, alongside members of the Ars Electronica Furturelab, Stravinsky’s Rite Of Spring 3D premiered at the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria, in 2007. The CBSO performance is part of the 2010/2011 Birmingham International Concert Season, sponsored by Williams de Broë and supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Each performance will last approximately 45 minutes and will be preceded by brief works from Varese and Ligeti.
Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring 3D will be performed at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Thursday April 21st. For more information visit www.riteofspring3d.thsh.co.uk