It’s hard to imagine a piece of classical music causing a riot, but that’s the word often applied to the audience’s reaction when Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring debuted in 1913 in Paris. Apparently, the arguments between those who loved it and those who hated it became so heated the dancers couldn’t hear the orchestra! Stravinsky’s music (and Nijinsky’s choreography) broke with tradition so dramatically that the piece is often called the first example of modernism in music. In this installation of Upbeat with Alasdair, Maestro Alasdair Neale will describe not just the innovation, but the beauty of Rite of Spring, which the Festival will present during the upcoming Summer Season.

Get the inside scoop on the Festival’s Winter Season, direct from the musicians! Music Director Alasdair Neale will host his popular Upbeat with Alasdair speaking series on March 14 with a special presentation to kick off the winter concerts, which take place later in the week. For the talk, Maestro Neale will be joined by four Festival Orchestra principal brass musicians who will share the unique characteristics of their instruments and how they will be showcased during the winter performances.