The Rite of Spring

This electrifying theatrical concert is a thrilling journey through one of the most iconic works of the 20th century, Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring." When Stravinsky’s avant-garde composition premiered in 1913, it didn’t just shock audiences—it changed the course of music and dance forever. 110 years later, the Aurora Orchestra brings this revolutionary work to life in a performance that dives deep into the dramatic story of its creation. The first half of the concert unpacks the genius of Stravinsky with a captivating theatrical performance that reveals the true brilliance of this groundbreaking work. Actors Charlotte Ritchie (Ghosts) and Karl Queensborough (Hamilton) bring the words of Stravinsky and his collaborators to life while conductor Nicholas Collon offers approachable technical insight into the composition. The concert culminates with a heart-pounding, full performance of "The Rite of Spring." With this thrilling performance, the Aurora Orchestra became the world's first orchestra to play Stravinsky's complex masterpiece entirely from memory. Recorded live at the 2023 Helsinki Festival and also featured at the BBC Proms, this unforgettable production has garnered five-star reviews across the board. The Times hailed it as “one of the most breathtaking Proms in history."