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Gershwin in the Summertime
Jun. 27, 2012
Iconic American composer George Gershwin is celebrated this summer with performances of his most beloved works at festivals across the country. From songs to concerti, orchestral overtures to big band arrangements, Gershwin’s presence is strong this season with a dazzling range of performances from coast to coast.
The Aspen Music Festival began its season with A Gershwin Celebration on June 28. The all-Gershwin program comprised the composer’s three major works for piano and orchestra: Concerto in F, Rhapsody in Blue, and his Second Rhapsody. Pianists Inon Barnatan, Marc-André Hamelin, and Conrad Tao performed with the Aspen Festival Big Band Ensemble led by Robert Spano. Additionally, the festival’s Fourth of July Concert included a selection from the Porgy and Bess Symphonic Picture and on August 8, George Manahan conducts the Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra in An American in Paris.
On July 3, The Cleveland Orchestra kicked off its Blossom Festival with Jahja Ling leading two Gershwin favorites: Rhapsody in Blue, with Inon Barnatan, and An American in Paris. On July 15, the festival offers a Gershwin salute as part of a program titled Great Gershwin, Brilliant Bernstein. Led by Bramwell Tovey, the concert features Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Catfish Row Suite, and welcomes soprano Tracy Dahl with a collection of the composer’s most popular songs.
At the Caramoor Festival this year, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s performed an all-Gershwin program for its Fourth of July concert titled “Pops, Patriots & Fireworks.” Joined by conductor Michael Barrett, pianist John Musto and vocalists Darius DeHaas and Carla Jablonski, the group delivered an enchanting lineup of orchestral works and songs including Rhapsody in Blue, Girl Crazy Overture, I Got Rhythm, and Embraceable You.
Bramwell Tovey and Tracy Dahl return with the New York Philharmonic on July 22 as part of the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival in Colorado, to offer a performance of An American in Paris as well as a thrilling line-up of songs for soprano and orchestra.
The Gershwin performances continue throughout the summer - check below for a detailed list of concerts and events.
Aspen Music Festival, Aspen, CO
6/28 - Concerto in F; Second Rhapsody; Rhapsody in Blue
7/4 - Selection from Symphonic Picture from Porgy and Bess
8/8 - An American in Paris
Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago, IL
6/23 - An American in Paris
7/4 - Girl Crazy Overture
www.grantparkmusicfestival.com
Blossom Music Festival, The Cleveland Orchestra, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
7/3 - An American in Paris; Rhapsody in Blue
7/15 - Cuban Overture; Catfish Row Suite; The Man I Love; They Can’t Take That Away From Me; A Foggy Day (In London Town); Fascinating Rhythm
Brevard Music Festival, Brevard, NC
7/1 - An American in Paris
7/21 - Cuban Overture
BBC Proms, London, UK
9/4 - An American in Paris
Eastern Music Festival, Greensboro, NC
7/12 - Rhapsody in Blue
National Repertory Orchestra, Breckenridge, CO
6/20 - An American in Paris
6/23 - Rhapsody in Blue
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Vail, CO
7/22 - The Man I Love; They Can’t Take That Away From Me; A Foggy Day (in London Town); Fascinatin’ Rhythm; An American in Paris
Breckenridge Music Festival, Breckenridge, CO
7/26 - Second Rhapsody
8/15 - Three Preludes
www.breckenridgemusicfestival.com
Castleton Festival, Manassas, VA
6/28 - Rhapsody in Blue
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