Upbeat with Alasdair: The Rite of Spring: 110 Years Old and Still Breaking the Rules

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.

How to attend

Reservations are currently full for the Wednesday, January 4 talk at the Community Library. But there are still ways to attend. The event will also be broadcast above on this page or on the Festival’s YouTube channel. If you prefer to attend in person, please click here to add yourself to the waitlist online or contact the Festival office at [email protected] or 208.622.5607. If you have already made reservations but won’t be able to attend, please contact the Festival so your seats may be released to individuals on the waitlist. Those on the waitlist will be contacted in the order their requests were received when seating becomes available.

Capacity is unlimited for the online broadcast; reservations are not required to watch online. Doors open at 6:00 PM (MT) for those attending in person. The presentation begins at 6:30 PM (MT) for both in-person and online attendees. Only in-person attendees will be able to participate in the Q&A session that will take place toward the end of the presentation.

Click here to find helpful tips to get the best broadcast experience, such as how to watch the event from your home theater system.