Robert Spano

Much has been written about the riot that disrupted the 1913 world premiere of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. What incited such a reaction? Was it the music or the choreography? Was it the subject matter (human sacrifice), or was it personal? No one knows for sure, but by 1940, Walt Disney saw fit to includ the piece in his feature film Fantasia. Today, The Rite of Spring isn't quite so shocking but delivers a thrilling sound experience in the hands of a great orchestra. This week, ASO Music Director Laureate Robert Spano conducts Stravinsky's masterpiece and welcomes the return of American composer Jonathan Leshnoff for the world premiere of his oratorio Sacrifice of Isaac.