Few works have shaken the musical world quite like Igor Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring." Conceived from a sudden vision of a pagan ritual — “a young girl dancing herself to death” to welcome the coming of spring — Stravinsky created a ballet that shattered musical norms and provoked one of the most notorious premieres in concert history.

Working with folklorist Nicholas Roerich, Stravinsky crafted a two-part scenario rooted in ancient Slavic rites. The ballet, commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, depicts an archaic community’s ecstatic celebrations, culminating in a sacrificial dance to ensure the fertility of the land.

Stravinsky had not only captured the “mystery and great surge of the creative power of spring” — he had also redefined the very language of music.

About FOOSA

FOOSA began in the summer of 2013 as the Fresno Opera and Orchestra Summer Academy (hence the acronym, FOOSA). Founded by Artistic Director Thomas Loewenheim and then-Executive Director Julia Copeland, FOOSA is a partnership between Fresno State and the Youth Orchestras of Fresno.

Our two-week summer intensive attracts serious young players who want to commit themselves to a rigorous program of orchestra rehearsals, lessons, master classes, individual practice and plentiful performance opportunities. The FOOSA Philharmonic is a preprofessional orchestra that allows advanced musicians of college and high school age to enjoy a side-by-side performance experience with our outstanding faculty members.