This grand finale of Berlin in Lights marks the completion of a transformational education project presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Zukunft@BPhil, the Berliner Philharmoniker education program. The Rite of Spring Project featuring The Dance Project and Songs: Ritual Rhythms will engage 200 New York City public school students in a two-month exploration of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring through movement and music. Starting in September, approximately 120 students will begin eight weeks of rehearsals with choreographer Royston Maldoom and his team in preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—the chance to dance The Rite of Spring at two exciting performances with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker at The United Palace Theater in Upper Manhattan. In a parallel program, 80 high school students will work with the Berliner Philharmoniker’s education staff and musicians in the development of an original composition, using conceptual themes and musical elements from Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring to create an entirely new piece. Premiere performances of this new work, entitled Songs: Ritual Rhythms will open The United Palace Theater performance program, scheduled for November 17 and 18.

Film still from the 2004 documentary Rhythm Is It! © Boomtown Media