What's On

Thursday 31 August 2023, 7pm

Aurora Orchestra: Rite of Spring from memory

Aurora Orchestra: Rite of Spring from memory

Presented by Saffron Hall

Violinists from the Aurora Orchestra performing on stage with their bows in the air

Join Aurora Orchestra, Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon and actors Charlotte Ritchie and Karl Queensborough for their biggest challenge to date – Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, performed by heart.

Get under the skin of perhaps the greatest 20th-Century orchestral work, The Rite of Spring. In the first half of the performance, Aurora presents a signature dramatic and musical introduction to Stravinsky’s score, featuring actors voicing the words of the composer and his collaborators. Illuminating the background to and creation of Stravinsky’s masterpiece, as well as its riotous premiere, this living programme note sets the scene for a dazzling second-half performance of the work entirely from memory.

Supporters

Supported by Dominic & Ali Wallis

Performance information

Running time

1 hour 45 minutes

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.

Booking information

Seating style

This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating

Discounts

Under 25s can purchase half price tickets for this show.

Transport

Shuttle bus

Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance

More info

Programme and performers

Programme

  • A dramatic and musical exploration of Stravinksy’s The Rite of Spring 40 mins
  • Igor Stravinsky The Rite of Spring 30 mins

Performers

  • Aurora Orchestra
  • Nicholas Collon conductor
  • Charlotte Ritchie actor
  • Karl Queensborough actor
  • Jane Mitchell concept & script
  • Jane Mitchell & James Bonas directors
  • Iain Farrington music arrangements

Actors announced: Charlotte Ritchie & Karl Queensborough

Ritchie (Call the Midwife, Ghosts) and Queensborough (Hamilton) join Aurora for a dramatisation of the origins of Rite of Spring, reliving the scenes of its creation and its notorious concert premiere.

Information for your visit

Thursday 31 August 2023, 7pm

Schedule

All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.

Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.

Pre-show shuttle bus

6pm - 7pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.

When to arrive

6pm - 6.45pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.

Foyer opens

6pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.

Auditorium opens

6.30pm
Get your tickets ready for checking, find your seats, sit back and relax.

Show starts

7pm

Interval

Interval (20 mins) with reception for Gold, Platinum and Foundation members

Show ends

8.45pm (approx)

Post-show shuttle bus

8.45pm – 9.45pm
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.

Location

Saffron Hall

Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Transport

Shuttle bus

Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
More info

Additional information

Drinks

For this event, you're welcome to bring drinks purchased from our bar into the event with you.

Cloakroom

We are unable to allow any bags into the performance space which are larger than a hand bag or small backpack. Unfortunately our cloakroom will not be in operation.

Can't find your e-tickets?

Log in here to download your e-ticket from our website

Exterior of Saffron Hall showing the Saffron Walden County High School and Saffron Hall signs next to each other

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know about visiting Saffron Hall including getting here, parking, the shuttle bus and more
Light floods through the windows of the auditorium on to the blue theatre seats

Accessibility

Find out about our accessible seating and how to book either online, via email or over the phone
Saffron Hall car park full of cars

Parking

We have over 400 free parking spaces on site for our visitors

New to concerts?

Never been to a concert before? Here's what to expect when you come to a classical concert at Saffron Hall

The faces of audience seated in tiers are lit by the stage lights as they look intently at the stage

Related shows

See all

Saffron Walden Choral Society

Saturday 28 June 2025, 7.30pm
Featuring works by Mozart, Haydn and Mendelssohn

Aurora Orchestra

Sunday 23 February 2025, 3.30pm
Beethoven's Symphony No.7 from memory

The Dream of Gerontius

Saturday 1 March 2025, 5pm
Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus alongside the University of East Anglia Choir