Hot Deal

Possokhov's The Rite of Spring

San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet is thrilled to present the world premiere of Choreographer in Residence Yuri Possokhov’s interpretation of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps), as part of Program 3.

Check out this exclusive interview with Choreographer in Residence Yuri Possokhov and Ballet Master Anita Paciotti, as they discuss The Rite of Spring.

This highly anticipated work joins SF Ballet’s repertory as part of a worldwide celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the premiere of The Rite of Spring, a legendary opening night performance so groundbreaking and shocking that it evoked a riot. With its percussive rhythms and dissonant harmonies, Stravinsky’s masterpiece is one of the most revolutionary musical works of the 20^th century. The infamous Paris premiere of The Rite of Spring ballet—with Vaslav Nijinsky’s choreography depicting an ancient pagan ritual—was a watershed moment in cultural history. The performance, and ensuing audience revolt, marked the end of the romantic period and heralded the beginning of modernism, a transition that was ultimately celebrated. A year after that notorious opening, Stravinsky was carried victoriously through the streets of Paris after a performance of The Rite of Spring.

Program 3 also includes Mark Morris’ Beaux, featuring nine men in colorful costumes by fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. “Beaux shows Morris once again as master craftsman,” said the San Francisco Chronicle. The program also features Ashley Page’s Guide to Strange Places, which also made its world premiere in San Francisco in 2012.

Organizations around the Bay Area are celebrating the centennial of the debut of The Rite of Spring. Want to learn more about the historic premiere of Stravinsky’s masterpiece? Our neighbors, the San Francisco Symphony, are also performing The Rite of Spring this season as part of a weekend of Stravinsky concerts. Check out their interactive Keeping Score website, featuring insights by Michael Tilson Thomas, recordings, photo galleries, and other fascinating information about The Rite of Spring.