Stravinsky: Petrushka - Debussy: La boîte à joujoux, L. 128

In this unique pairing, Ludovic Morlot brings stunning modernist ballets by Stravinsky and Debussy to life. Considered one of the unequivocal stables of his Russian period, Stravinsky’s Petrushka embodies the composer’s playful lyricism and radical orchestration, and the dynamic Seattle Symphony Orchestra showcases these qualities beautifully, from the bright, explosive woodwind runs to the jolting, soaring brass chords. Here, the eponymous hero’s plight seems as tragic and affecting as ever. Their production of Debussy’s La boîte à joujoux sparkles with the composer’s signature cloudy harmonies and elusive melodies, with Morlot evoking a typically charming performance from his orchestra.