Think Spring

Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring was very controversial piece at its premier 100 years ago.  Stravinsky created this piece in collaboration with Serge Diaghilev, director of the Ballets Russes.  The ballet was choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and the production included outrageous costumes, unnatural choreography and told the story of pagan sacrifice.  It nearly caused a riot at its inaugural performance.  However, since that debut, the music has achieved greater recognition as a concert piece and is now considered one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century.

On Sunday, January 12, Essex Winter Series opens its 36th season with a performance of this great work.  The choreography, however, will be in the four hands playing this piece on piano.  Essex Winter Series Artistic Director, Mihae Lee, will be joined by her renowned colleague Randall Hodgkinson in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rite of Spring.  They will also perform  Debussy’s Le Mer and Gershwin’s most popular large-scale piece, Rhapsody in Blue.

The entire 36th season of Essex Winter Series will be a tribute to its beloved Trustee Emeritus, Fenton Brown, who sadly passed away on September 2.  In celebration of his legacy EWS will present a series of five extraordinary concerts-offering world-class performances in a wonderful variety of music-from solo guitar to full orchestra and from Bach’s sacred music to red hot jazz.  This season is arranged by Mihae Lee and the newly-appointed Jazz Impresario Jeff Barnhart.  According to Mihae, who became not only a business partner of Mr. Brown but also a friend says about this season’s series, "It was a way to honor him and honoring a legacy that will live beyond his lifetime.  He was like a figure you would see in the movies. It is amazing that he was a real person."

Series tickets or individual concert tickets may be purchased at http://www.essexwinterseries.com/tickets.html.  Tickets are $125 each for the series of 5 concerts or $30/adult, $12/student for single concerts.   Performances are held at Valley Regional High School in Deep River (except for the performance on March 2 which will be held at John Winthrop Middle School, Deep River).

It promises to be a great season in celebration of the life of a great man!  Don't miss this Sunday's opener.

Other Concerts in the Series:
February 9- Jason Vieaux, Guitar
March 2-Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert
March 30-Fenton Brown Emerging Artist with New Haven Symphony Orchestra
April 13-All Bach Palm Sunday Concert