UNC Asheville’s Music Department will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the debut of George Gershwin’s American classic, “Rhapsody in Blue,” with a concert titled “Rhapsody 100 (The Experiment Continues)” on February 4, 2024, at 3:00 pm in UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium.
A crown jewel of the 2023-2024 UNCA Loves Piano concert series, this once-in-a-lifetime event features a full orchestra, a jazz combo and distinguished soloists and conductors.
The first set reprises, note-for-note, several concert pieces played at the February 12, 1924, concert at Aeolian Hall in NYC called “An Experiment In Modern Music” — the concert that debuted George Gershwin’s immortal “Rhapsody In Blue.” These selections will be directed by Asheville’s ”godfather of jazz” Russ Wilson, with the Rhapsody piano part played by Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim.
The second set includes new and original works and arrangements from pianist/composer Dr. William Bares, trumpeter/composer Justin Ray and pianist/composer Richard Shulman, with Dr. Emily Eng conducting.
The original 1924 concert brought together jazz and classical music in ways that have been characterized as uniquely “American.” Similarly, this 100th anniversary gala concert will bring together talented UNC Asheville faculty and esteemed musicians from the greater community in an “Ashevillean” spirit of musical experimentation. A true a celebration of community, continuity, and creativity, there may be no better time, place or setting to enjoy Gershwin’s timeless classic.
Tickers will be $35 advance / $40 door for the general public and $5 for UNCA students, staff and faculty. Purchase a ticket here.
Visit https://www.unca.edu/events-and-news/event/rhapsody-100-the-experiment-continues-celebrating-the-100th-anniversary-of-gershwins-rhapsody-in-blue/ for more information.
Written by UNC Asheville.