'Rite of Spring' Turns 100 at Lafayette

When composer Igor Stravinsky debuted his ballet Rite of Spring in 1913, the audience in Paris rioted.

They just weren't ready for the "jagged rhythms, crunching discord, and the strange jerking of the dancers on stage," as NPR put it in 2008.

One-hundred years later, "Rite of Spring" is recognized as a milestone in 20th century music, one you'll get to experience next week when it comes to the Williams Center at Lafayette College.

Quebec choreographer Marie Chouinard and her company will perform the ballet March 13 at 8 p.m. The program will also include 24 Preludes, a dance using the music of Chopin.

Before the performance, music professor Kirk O’Riordan and Carrie Rohman, a dancer and assistant professor of English, will discuss the two pieces at 7 p.m. in Room 108 of the center.

Tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (610) 330-5009 weekdays from noon to 2 p.m., again from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and one hour before the show.