Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor The Crossing Donald Nally Artistic Director J.L. Adams Vespers of the Blessed Earth (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission) Stravinsky The Rite of Spring The Rite of Spring, Igor Stravinsky’s vivid reflection on ancient pagan rituals, still astounds more than a century after its riotous Parisian premiere. John Luther Adams’s Vespers of the Blessed Earth references humanity’s impact on the Earth. He told the Philadelphia Inquirer, “The music I’m writing now is an expression of grief and faith in the possibility of human redemption.” Philadelphia-based choral group the Crossing joins Yannick and the Orchestra for this transformative performance.