On Sunday 26th January our current and prospective A level Music students were treated to a dazzling performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’ at the Royal Festival Hall. As part of their ‘Lights In The Dark’ series,  The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra have put together a programme of works by composers who were at odds with society and faced adversity only to transform those experiences into electrifying masterpieces that are now celebrated as classics.

As one of the set works on the A Level Music specification, students have enjoyed analysing Stravinsky’s taboo-smashing ballet ‘The Rite of Spring’ but nothing compares to seeing it performed live and the students were exhilarated to witness the experimental approach to tonality, metre, rhythm and sonority brought to life.

Also featured in the programme was Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ piano concerto alongside ‘3 Pieces for Orchestra’ by Berg – each another example of how music can be a source of light even in the darkest times.

Mrs Brooke (Director of Learning for Music)