During the 2016–2017 season, institutions around the globe celebrate Steve Reich’s 80th birthday (October 3), with over 400 performances taking place in more than 20 countries this year. Major “Reich at 80” series and festivals—presented by Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, San Francisco Symphony, The Barbican in London, Philharmonie de Paris, Tokyo Opera City, Cologne Philharmonie, Soundstreams / Massey Hall in Toronto, and more—feature extensive retrospectives of his major works.
Additional highlights of the anniversary season include multiple performances of Reich and Beryl Korot’s video opera The Cave in Frankfurt’s Bockenheimer Depot and in St. Louis; presentations of his and Korot’s video opera Three Tales at Wuppertal Oper, The Barbican, Carnegie Hall, and Prague’s National Theatre Opera; and three consecutive concerts pairing Reich’s Desert Music with Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, performed by Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Synergy Vocals, and David Robertson at the Sydney Opera House.
The landmark season also reveals the world premieres of two new ensemble works, Pulse and Runner. Pulse received its world premiere at Carnegie Hall on November 1 with the combined forces of ICE, So Percussion, and Synergy Vocals, conducted by David Robertson. Runner is unveiled at The Royal Ballet in London with new choreography by Wayne McGregor, opening on November 10. Both new works will be toured throughout the US and Europe by different ensembles.