SEAN PERRIN

I am more than excited to announce that I will be playing second clarinet in two more upcoming concerts with The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Each night features The Rite of Spring, but has different accompanying repertoire. Details are as follows:

Tchaikovsky and The Rite of Spring
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary, AB

Dates and Tickets:

Friday, December 3, 2011 @ 8:00pm | $19-87

Yamandu Costa and The Rite of Spring
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary, AB

Dates and Tickets:

Saturday, December 4, 2011 @ 8:00pm | $19-87

Igor Stravinsky‘s repertoire has been hailed for its originality, and The Rite of Spring is no exception. When it first premiered in May 1913, the audience members, who were used to more conservative classical ballet, found Stravinsky’s rhythmic innovations and bizarre use of instruments to be unacceptable.

In what might seem like an over-reaction today, there were riots in the concert hall, which later spilled out into the streets. The riots became so intense that the Paris Police had to intervene, but they could only restore moderate order. Camille Saint-Saens, a fellow composer and colleague, reportedly  stormed out after the piece’s now famous bassoon solo, claiming that Stravinsky had offended him by “misusing” the instrument.

In a somewhat cheeky response to the piece’s conspicuous premiere, Stravinsky is quoted as having said that it was “exactly what [he] wanted.”

Don’t let the audience’s reaction turn you away from the piece, though, as it has become famous for its brilliance. In fact,  you are likely more familiar with the work than you think, as it was featured in the original 1940s Fantasia. Have a listen below!

Sean.