With Petrushka (1911) and The Rite of Spring (1913) Igor Stravinsky took the world by storm.
Last night the San Francisco Symphony recreated those historic moments with brilliant performances led by Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas, who was personally mentored by the great composer many years ago.
Leonidas Kavakos, a virtuoso in his own rite (pun intended) displayed his mastery of Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto.
As the photo demonstrates, both MTT and Kavakos make unique fashion statements as well.
The conductor is wearing his signature Nehru jacket – a hip-length tailored coat with a mandarin collar and accent pocket handkerchief. The guest artist sports a custom shark skin tuxedo sans tie with a loose-fitting cummerbund.
Also, dig the distinctive eye wear.
SFS reprises the show tonight and tomorrow, and don’t miss the special exhibit on the First Tier Lobby at Davies SyMphony Hall celebrating Stravinsky’s epochal collaboration with Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, and his long association with the SF Symphony and its music directors.