MPR Classical hosts bring ‘When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky’ to life

This week marked the 100th anniversary of the world premiere of 'The Rite of Spring,' a now classic ballet that seemed anything but to its first audience, sparking a riot in the streets of Paris.

Composer Igor Stravinsky's famed partnership with choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky is the subject of a children's book by Minnesota author and illustrator Lauren Stringer, called, "When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky: Two Artists, One Ballet, and One Extraordinary Riot."

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MPR's Chris Roberts was working on a story about the new book when he had an idea; why not ask MPR Classical hosts to narrate the book, and then produce it with Stravinsky's music?

The result is a delight, underscoring how the writing echoes the musical score; classical hosts Lynne Warfel, John Birge, Mindy Ratner and Bill Morelock do a fabulous job animating the tale. Do yourself a favor: Call your kids over to your computer and turn up your speakers before clicking on the audio link below.

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