Mon 2/12 @ 6:30PM
On February 12, 1924, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a composition for solo piano and jazz ensemble, debuted at Aeolian Hall in New York City Exactly 100 years to the day since George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue premiered in New York City. The piece was commissioned by band leader Paul Whiteman, whose ensemble performed it with Gershwin as the pianist. The piece, which combines classical and jazz motifs, has remained popular for 100 years.
The University of Akron will celebrate that anniversary with a free performance of the work at E.J. Thomas Hall. The pianist is Philip Thomson, a Canadian-born, Juilliard-educated pianist with an international reputation who taught at UA from 1994 until his retirement last year. He’s known for championing the music for Franz Liszt and Felix Blumenfeld.
The concert is the finale of the University of Akron School of Music’s 35th annual High School Band Clinic Festival. It features UA’s Concert Band, Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Band. It takes place at E.J. Thomas Hall.
All festival concerts are free and open to the public. Get more info at uakron.edu/bands.