BBC Philharmonic – Exclusive £3 Offer: The Rite of Spring, Daphnis and Chloé

Will Fulford-Jones

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Musical Myths

The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre
19 November 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Image courtesy of the BBC Philharmonic
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The Rite of Spring was first performed as part of a Paris season by the Ballets Russes, the most influential ballet company of the era. When it comes to the legend of the Rite’s 1913 premiere, it’s difficult to separate truth from fiction. But in many accounts, the evening descended into a near-riot: after scuffles in the auditorium, the police were called and 40 people were thrown out of the building. As one observer wrote, ‘A certain part of the audience was thrilled by what it considered to be a blasphemous attempt to destroy music as an art.’ If that sounds familiar, many people said something similar about the Sex Pistols’ legendary 1976 show at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.

From Stravinsky’s dissonant, cubist rewritings of Russian folk melodies to his vicious, lightning-strike rhythms, the Rite was built to shock – and the intervening years haven’t dulled the impact. Modern music has caught up with and even emulated Stravinsky’s innovations. But this savage, ferocious and truly radical piece still takes the breath away. No one forgets their first encounter.

Premiered 12 months apart in Paris, this double-bill of iconic ballets surveys the revolutions that swept music a century ago. Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé is a seductive piece of musical impressionism, delicate melodies soaked in lush orchestrations. Compare and contrast with Stravinsky’s primeval The Rite of Spring,which caused a near-riot on its opening night and remains one of the most exhilarating experiences that the concert hall has to offer. The evening begins with Vivo, Magnus Lindberg’s modern homage to Daphnis and Chloé.

What's on at The Bridgewater Hall

Walking Tour Stock imagery
Until
ActivityCity Centre
The Manchester Music Walkabout

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.

From £25.00

Where to go near BBC Philharmonic – Exclusive £3 Offer: The Rite of Spring, Daphnis and Chloé

City Centre
Hotel
The Midland Hotel

With 312 luxurious bedrooms, the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel occupies one of the most beautiful and storied buildings in Manchester.

Manchester
Restaurant
Midland Tea Room

Dating back to 1903, Manchester’s stately Midland Hotel now has its own dedicated tea room. Expect traditional offerings in elegant surroundings.

Society Manchester
City Centre
Society Manchester

Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with five street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition hosts three of the city’s most celebrated independent kitchens: Osma, Baratxuri, and Jaan by Another Hand.

City Centre
Restaurant
ONDA Pasta Bar

ONDA is a treat for the tastebuds. Long dark wood tables are shared by eager diners, as tapas-style plates of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes are ferried around the restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Jaan

Serving up exceptional Persian cuisine, this new food concept from the team behind Another Hand is a must-try.

City Centre
Restaurant
Nudo Sushi Box

Nudo Sushi Box on Manchester’s Oxford Road specialises in freshly-prepared boxes of – you guessed it – sushi.

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