(Orlando, FL – December 14, 2011) – On Saturday, February 4, the Orlando Philharmonic performs two powerful works inspired by nature—Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”—in a concert held at 8 p.m. at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W Livingston Street, Orlando. Sponsorship for the Super Series is provided by Darden Restaurants Foundation.

“These works represent two opposing views of nature: one bucolic, the other utterly terrifying,” says Christopher Wilkins, Orlando Philharmonic Music Director and conductor for this concert. “Beethoven’s “Pastorale” Symphony is one of the most enticing musical landscapes in history, while The Rite of Spring seems more like the eruption of a volcano.“

In fact, the world premiere of The Rite of Spring in Paris in 1913 incited a riot, which quickly became a larger uproar and caused counter-demonstrations by audience members. Wilkins says that with its dissonant harmonies, polytonalities and primitive rhythms, Stravinsky’s pieces “holds just as much shock value as it did 100 years ago.”

Even those unfamiliar with most orchestral music will probably recognize both works from Disney’s 1940 animated film, “Fantasia,” in which The Rite of Spring accompanied the story of evolution and the time of dinosaurs, all the way up through extinction, and Beethoven’s “Pastorale” Symphony was the background music for a festival of centaurs, cupids and fauns and other mythical creatures who gathered for a festival to honor Bacchus, the god of wine.

Part of the orchestra’s Super Series, Rite of Spring will spotlight the Philharmonic’s musical force and the virtuosity of its musicians. Tickets are $14.75, $29, $39, $52 and $70. Student discounts are available. A free pre-concert conversation will be held at 7 p.m. for those with tickets. To order, or to learn more about the Philharmonic’s 2011-2012 Super Series, Focus Series or concert opera, Rigoletto, call the Philharmonic box office at 407-770-0071, or visit www.orlandophil.org.

Contact:

Emily Lindahl, Director of Public Relations
Ph: 407-896-6700 x223
Fax: 407-896-5512
elindahl@orlandophil.org