Director Selects: Rhapsody in Blue Turns 100

Few American compositions are as well-known as Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Here in Los Angeles, some of us recall the breathtaking moment in the 1984 Olympic Opening Ceremony when 84 grand pianos emerged at the Coliseum to perform the masterpiece. Now, in 2024, the piece is receiving a lot of attention as a celebration of its 100th year:

Just this week, CBS Sunday Morning ran this segment about “Rhapsody in Blue.” Earlier this year, columnists for the New York Times and Los Angeles Times debated the merits of “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Here at The Soraya, we have dipped our toe in the water. Conrad Tao talks about his upcoming performance on November 16, and writer Kirk Silsbee recently interviewed Tao as well as bandleader and bassist John Clayton ahead of their concert.

The Soraya’s concert celebrating “Rhapsody in Blue” will feature the original 1924 arrangement for jazz band and string section. Additionally, Tao will perform a solo set on the piano that includes the virtuosic Preludes. The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra will also add a swinging set of tunes both by Gershwin and his contemporaries.

With all the attention that Gershwin is receiving this year, we invite you to immerse yourself. Rarely does a single musical composition receive so much attention, and this is your opportunity to join in. See you on November 16 (click here for tickets).

Gratefully,

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