Stravinsky Fountain in Paris, France

© Alessandro Saffo/eStock Phot

We predict a riot. A ‘circus of chaos’ for Stravinsky

The whimsical sculptures of Stravinsky Fountain in Paris are a bold, modern contrast to the Church of Saint-Merri, seen in the background of our photo today. The fountain – designed to inspire feelings of joy and playfulness – is a tribute to the groundbreaking symphonic composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky. Though he was born near St Petersburg, Russia, Stravinsky wrote and debuted many of his career-making works while living in France in the early 20th century. It was on this day in 1913 that Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring debuted at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.