RHYTHM IS IT!

Imagine this: 250 kids from 25 different nations in one room with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, dancing to Igor Stravinsky.

On the 28^th of January 2003 it happened: directed by Sir Rattle, a group of Berlin students performed Le Sacre du Printemps in the Treptow Arena, a former Bus terminal.

The film shows the three months of rehearsal that preceded this event. At th e centre are three young people: Marie (14), Martin (19) and Olayinka (16). ‘You can change your life in a dance class’, choreographer Royston Maldoom tells them. But are they really up for it?

Parallel to the experiences of the students, this film reveals extensive footage of the world-famous Berlin Philharmonics and their conductor Sir Simon Rattle in rehearsal. Never before has this traditionally minded orchestra allowed such detailed filming of its rehearsal process. Throughout the story, the pulse of Stravinsky’s powerful music is ever present. The archaic force of Le Sacre du Printemps generates the energy that brings together 250 young people and 128 musicians and propels them towards their performance, the climax of a journey that will change their lives.

Says Sir Simon Rattle: “Music is not a luxury, but a need, like the air we breathe and the water we drink!”