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Tribal rhythms and folk melodies will have you fully engrossed in Stravinsky's groundbreaking piece of music, The Rite of Spring. Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 is one of his most enduringly popular pieces.

Preview both pieces below on Spotify:

RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring

Stravinsky’s primal The Rite of Spring is renowned for inciting a riot at its 1913 Paris debut. The causes are still debated—was it the eccentric asymmetry of the music or Nijinsky’s shocking choreography—and the escalation often exaggerated (objects may have been thrown at the musicians, and a bald man’s head was allegedly drummed upon). Nonetheless, this can’t-miss master work radically changed twentieth-century composition. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by Kirill Gerstein, completes a program of distinctly Russian flair conducted by Music Director Brett Mitchell.

The running time of this performance is approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes. This includes one 20-minute intermission.

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Brett Mitchell, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano

Boettcher Concert Hall is located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 14th and Curtis Streets in the heart of downtown Denver. It's easy to find and there are two large parking garages to the east and west of Boettcher. There are often multiple performances happening at DPAC at the same time, which leads to traffic congestion and lines to get into the parking garages. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to DPAC—we don't want you to miss any of the music!

Find directions, a map, garage information, construction updates, and more here:

Transportation & Parking

Have questions about what to wear, when to clap, or if you can bring the kids? Check our Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see the answer to your question, feel free to contact Rob Warner, Colorado Symphony Concierge, by concierge@coloradosymphony.org, or call the Box Office at 303.623.7876.

Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring
This weekend's performances feature a Prelude Lecture with Betsy Schwarm. On Saturday only, enjoy a Talkback with Music Director Brett Mitchell & Pianist Kirill Gerstein.

Preludes
Join Us Before Each Classics Performance!
Join your Colorado Symphony for preludes; pre-concert events to enhance your experience! Preludes take place at 6:30 p.m. (FRI & SAT) and 12 p.m. (SUN) in Boettcher Concert Hall, before every Classics performance, and are included with your concert ticket.

Prelude Lectures: Classical music author and historian Betsy Schwarm will share information about the composers and pieces on the program. Ms. Schwarm is a celebrated Denver icon. Catch her in action before hearing your Colorado Symphony!  

Prelude Musician Highlights: Ever wonder what your Colorado Symphony musicians think about the music? Come find out! Violist Phillip Stevens hosts an informal Q&A featuring additional Colorado Symphony musicians who are delighted to share their unique point of view on the composers and pieces you'll be hearing.  

Prelude Workshops: Be ready to participate! Take your mind, body, and spirit to a deeper listening plane with Catherine Beeson, Assistant Principal Violist and Director of Community Education Programs for your Colorado Symphony. Catherine will guide you to an internal understanding of the music you'll be hearing by encouraging your super powers of inquiry, observation and application.

Talkbacks*
Immediately following select Classics performances, enjoy a special 15-minute, post-concert discussion with the guest artist or conductor. Talkbacks take place in Boettcher Concert Hall and are included with your concert ticket.

*Subject to change, and to guest artist/conductor availability.