Mill Valley Philharmonic Lecture Confronts Controversial Classic

MILL VALLEY, CA — Some say it was the unique musical cadence. Others attribute it to a choreographer’s interpretation. Perhaps the unorthodox got people riled.

Whatever it was, the 1913 premiere of a Russian composer’s ballet created stirred a reaction that more closely associated with Altamont Speedway than Lincoln Center.

The Mill Valley Philharmonic will host a virtual lecture next month on Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring,” and the ballet that inspired a riot figures to give Music and Artistic Director Dana Sadava plenty to talk about.

The April 11 event will be held from 5 to around 6 p.m.

“The Rite of Spring” depicts a young dancer selected for sacrifice to dance herself to death, Musical Director Jessica Lorey wrote in a WGUC blog post.

The ballet employs irregularities in meter among other breaks with convention that made him the musical maverick of his time,

Admission to the even it free but donations are encouraged.

To register for this event visit here.