THE RITE OF SPRING

      The Cleveland Orchestra
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor
Simon Keenlyside, baritone

STRAUSS        Don Juan
STRAUSS        Songs
DEBUSSY       Symphonic Fragments from Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien
STRAVINSKY  The Rite of Spring      

Almost no musical work has had such a powerful influence or evoked as much controversy as Igor Stravinsky's ballet score The Rite of Spring. The work's premiere in Paris was scandalous. In addition to the outrageous costumes, unusual choreography and bizarre story of pagan sacrifice, Stravinsky's startling score caused audience riots in the streets.  The music is now admired for its brilliance and innovation. 

Simon Keenlyside is one of the world's most sought after and charismatic singers, noted for his versatility and highly charged performances onstage.