On May 30th in the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin the Gala opening of the exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the ballet “The Rite of Spring” first night took place. Ministry of Culture of Russia, the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin, the International Centre of the Roerichs, A.A. Bakhrushin State Central Theater Museum, The all-russian Museum Association Musical Culture named after M. Glinka participated in the exposition preparation
The history of the ballet started in 1909 when I. Stravinski and N. Roerich decided to create a ballet based on the ancient creeds and rituals of pagan Rus.
Ms N. Avtonomova, Head of the private collections department of the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin, thanked the partners who presented the exhibition materials and narrated about the sensational history of the ballet. The Rite of Spring premiere was organized on May 29, 1913 in the framework of the Russian seasons by S. Diagilev in Paris. This performance implemented by composer I. Stravinski, artist N. Roerich and choreographer V. Nijinski became the starting point for the modern ballet art. In about a year the ballet was publicly recognized and became part of the Gold Fund of the Russian classical art.
Mrs N. Cherkashina, Deputy Director General of the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich, commented that the exhibition is the tribute of respect to the great Russian Masters of art oeuvre. The ballet idea - “The victory of Light over darkness is impossible without the great sacrifice” - originated from the interest of N. Roerich to the ancient time, and obtained special topicality during the time of calamities and wars.
Nicholas Roerich and Igor Stravinski were the main enthusiasts of the ballet. At the same time N. Roerich was the author of libretto as well as costume and stage designer. Besides he assisted V. Nijinski in the development of new choreography.
