Stravinsky, playwright of sound. A programme entirely dedicated to the famous composer, drawing inspiration from theatricality, dance and primitive pulse, with The Rite of Spring being the perfect example.
“I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it”. With this striking statement, Igor Stravinsky captures the core of his art. His music is not meant to be analysed, but experienced — rhythmic, colourful, and unmistakably theatrical, deeply rooted in Russian folklore and imagination.
The Symphony of Wind Instruments opens...
“I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it”. With this striking statement, Igor Stravinsky captures the core of his art. His music is not meant to be analysed, but experienced — rhythmic, colourful, and unmistakably theatrical, deeply rooted in Russian folklore and imagination.
The Symphony of Wind Instruments opens as a stern yet hypnotic ritual. There is no romantic lyricism here, but sharply contoured sound blocks and unexpected instrumental combinations that reshape the musical space. With Pulcinella, Stravinsky dons a mask. The past is reinvented as playful music theatre, full of irony, dance, and sudden twists. What seems familiar acquires sharp edges and theatrical sparkle.
Then comes The Rite of Spring. At its Paris premiere, the work caused an uproar and immediately made history. Its raw sound layers, jagged rhythms, and fierce contrasts sounded shockingly modern, and remain irresistibly direct today. The Rite pulses and stamps, a pagan celebration of spring where movement and sound collide. Under the baton of Matthew Halls, Stravinsky’s music takes full command of the stage.
Understanding is optional. Feeling is inevitable.
Thanks to the players of the National Lottery and to the Tax Shelter of the Federal Government of Belgium through Casa Kafka Pictures.
Concert with introduction
Enhance your experience beyond the concert with an introduction! The introduction starts at 7 pm and is free upon presentation of your concert ticket.
Programme
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Igor Stravinsky
Symphonies of Wind Instruments, K036 -
Igor Stravinsky
Pulcinella (Suite), K034 -
Igor Stravinsky
The Rite of Spring, K015
Artists
- Matthew Halls Conductor
Concert with introduction
Enhance your experience beyond the concert with an introduction! The introduction starts at 7 pm and is free upon presentation of your concert ticket.
Listen to the concert playlist
Stravinsky Festival
From 2 to 7 February 2027, the BNO and Bozar shine a spotlight on composer Igor Stravinsky and his inimitable orchestrations and rousing rhythms. A century later, his music astonishes and moves us just as effortlessly. The BNO is devoting two concerts to the Russian master: besides the monumental Symphony of Psalms, you will hear two of his iconic ballets, The Rite of Spring and Petrushka. Stravinsky’s incomparable chamber music is also in the spotlight.
In co-production with
With the support of
Fête de la Musique 2027
City of Floating Sounds
Symphony of Sorrowful Songs
Shostakovich & Mozart
New Year’s Glow 2027
Winter Concert
Echoes of the North
