West Texas Symphony presents THE RIOT RITE OF SPRING at the world-class Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
This performance begins with a third annual side-by-side with approximately 25 local Permian Basin music students, from middle school through college, performing on stage with the orchestra “Polovtsian Dances, No. 17” from Prince Igor, by Alexander Borodin.
“It’s a unique opportunity for students to perform with our professional musicians. Through the coordination of Maestro Lewis and UTPB Orchestra Director Dr. Jean Gómez, we are creating a unique and impactful environment for some of the hardest-working student musicians in the Permian Basin. Please come out and show them your support!” Ethan Wills, WTS Executive Director, said in a news release.
The second half of the performance will feature a milestone piece for patrons and musicians alike. Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” composed in 1913, is a monumental work written for ballet with a slightly chilling story depicting a pre-Christian Russian village taking part in various rituals celebrating the arrival of spring.
“We created a strange title for this concert to highlight the non-conventionality of this programming: While riots occurred when this piece first premiered, do not fear! Over 100 years of musical tastes have evolved, and many of the themes heard in this piece have greatly influenced modern musicians from all genres that you hear today. Plus, Maestro Lewis is also going to use the first half to guide patrons through snippets of the music before returning to perform the work on the second half. Through these experiences, and more, we have truly built a program for West Texas,” the release said.
The plot is like a series of episodes with the music expertly augmenting and sometimes leading the action on the stage. Stravinsky’s musical life spanned nearly 90 years with full spectrum of 20th century style, from ballets, through experimental nationalism and neoclassicism, and to the serial style in which he composed for much of his time in the United States.
Masterworks performances are a great value for the entire family. Tickets start at just $12 and can be purchased at wtxs.org or by calling 800-514-3849. All student tickets are $12 with a paying adult or valid college ID.
Patrons are also invited to experience Symphony SoundBites, a pre-concert dinner held before the performance in the Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. By purchasing a ticket to this educational and tasty event, patrons will enjoy dining with friends as Maestro Gary Lewis provides an insider’s view of the evening’s program. On the menu: Grilled Steak, Grilled Chicken Breast, Au Gratin Potatoes, Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, Salad, Bread, and Dessert. Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased for $30 each online or by calling the Wagner Noël Box Office at 432-552-4437. Deadline to purchase SoundBites tickets is Friday, April 4.
THE RIOT RITE OF SPRING is generously sponsored by Mary Dawson and the City of Odessa. For more information on this and other West Texas Symphony events, please visit wtxs.org
