Let's lay down the facts...

Igor Stravinsky-- "I never came across anyone who had any real affection for me"

Born:

June 17th, 1882 in Oranienbaum, Russia...raised in St. Petersburg

Childhood:

Born into musical family; took piano lessons, saw first ballet/orchestra at age 8. Was later encouraged to become a lawyer (studied law until 1906)

Adolescence:

At age 23 started studying under Rimsky-Korsako (top Russian composer of that time).

Adulthood:

Moved to Switzerland in 1910-1920 where he wrote three ballets including his most famous: The Rite of Spring

Moved to France in 1920 and formed a business and musical partnership with Pleyel (French Piano Manufacturer)

While in France Stravinsky found his second and final wife, Vera de Bosset.

In his later years he began developing relationships in the US and writing works for US ensembles like, Symphony in C for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

America:

Moved to America after beginning of WWII in 1939; became naturalized US citizen in 1945

In 1944 Stravinsky arranged the Star Spangled Banner using a Major 7th Chord. This caused him to have a "run-in" with the Boston Police.

Stravinsky continued to live in America until his death taking risks both in his music and every day life.