The Rite of Spring is a ballet and orchestral concert work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. When first performed, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris) on 29 May 1913, the avant-garde nature of the music and choreography caused a sensation and a near-riot in the audience. Although designed as a work for the stage, the music achieved equal if not greater recognition as a concert piece, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century.