‘The Rite of Spring’ // Queensland Symphony Orchestra

‘The Rite of Spring’ was electric.

From the graceful introductory work through the first haunting notes of Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s performance was nothing short of electrifying.

Under the dedicated guidance of Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici, the ensemble delivered a visceral and unrelenting rendition of one of the most powerful and controversial works in classical music. However, the audience was eased into the intensity of Stravinsky’s 1913 masterpiece. The evening began with Debussy’s Prélude à “L’après-midi d’un faune”, a work of shimmering impressionism that was played with delicate precision. The flute solo, executed with effortless grace, transported the audience into Debussy’s dreamlike landscape.

Following this, Respighi’s Concerto Gregoriano showcased violinist Kristian Winther’s masterful artistry. Their warm, expressive tone and impeccable phrasing highlighted the work’s Gregorian inspirations, creating a deeply introspective moment before the storm that was to come.

Then, ‘The Rite of Spring’ erupted in a maelstrom of sound and motion. From the eerie bassoon solo that opens the piece to the pounding, chaotic rhythms of the final Sacrificial Dance, the orchestra performed with controlled intensity. The violent, shifting accents in The Augurs of Spring were executed with precision, the relentless energy of the brass and percussion sending shockwaves through the hall. The rawness of Stravinsky’s harmonies, combined with the sheer force of the orchestral climaxes, drawn in stark parallel to the warm comfort of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Concert Hall.

Supporting this this shift in intensity was C!rca’s physical interpretation. The company’s acrobatic and contemporary movement brought a fresh, modern perspective to Stravinsky’s brutal orchestrations. The dancers’ contorted shapes and extreme physical feats heightened the tension, embodying the music’s sense of struggle and ritualistic power. Their performance was not simply an accompaniment but an essential part of the spectacle, transforming the concert into an immersive, multidisciplinary experience.

Clerici’s direction was masterful, maintaining a perfect balance between control and unleashed energy. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra responded with a performance that was precise yet primal, structured yet savage—exactly what ‘The Rite of Spring’ demands. The standing ovation at the end was well deserved, a testament to the power of Stravinsky’s music and the brilliance of its execution.

This was more than a concert; it was an event—a thrilling, electrifying reminder of why ‘The Rite of Spring’ remains one of the most revolutionary works in the orchestral repertoire.

‘The Rite of Spring’ performed for a short season until Saturday 22 February 2025. For more information about Queensland Symphony Orchestra, visit their website.

Photography by Sam Muller.