Stravinsky and Diaghilev: The Alternative Russian Revolution October 7, 2009

Speaker: Chamber Domaine

From 1910-1913, Stravinsky blazed a trail with his stunning ballet scores The Firebird,
Petrushka and The Rite of Spring. Written for Diaghilev's legendary Ballet Russes, these
ballets were groundbreaking events not only for their innovative, iconoclastic music but also
for the bold set designs and revolutionary choreography. Diaghilev had assembled some of
the finest creative artists of the day around him and the impact of these and subsequent
productions is with us today. The lecture will explore their relationship and examine
what makes Stravinsky's music so special.

The concert will open with Stravinsky's dazzling arrangement of Petrushka for solo
Piano and will be followed by a performance of A Soldier's Tale - a theatrical work
"to be read, played and danced."

This event is a part of the series Creative Inspirations.

The series explores the extraordinary creative collaborations and friendships that
composers have had with celebrated figures in other fields: Claude Debussy and Stephane
Mallarme; Gustav Mahler and Sigmund Freud; Benjamin Britten and W H Auden; Igor Stravinsky and
Serge Diaghilev.

Their symbiotic relationships have led to some of the greatest developments in the arts in
the 20th Century and have profoundly influenced our understanding and appreciation
of modern culture. Their groundbreaking work illuminates the human condition and has
expanded our thinking about the world around us.Admission is free but reservations are required.

Official Website: http://www.gresham.ac.uk/event.asp?PageId=45&EventId=899