Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue: Masterworks

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue: Masterworks

Michael Francis packs this program with American greats in honor of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the centerpiece of our season. This revolutionary masterpiece combined jazz and classical to change music forever when it debuted 100 years ago in 1924. Launching the concert is Herald, Holler and Hallelujah, a powerful fanfare for brass and percussion by jazz icon Wynton Marsalis. While living in sunny Hollywood, Stravinsky fed off his love of American jazz for his Ebony Concerto, this week featuring TFO Principal Clarinet Natalie Hoe. Rounding out the program is Grammy Award winner Mason Bates’ high-voltage Alternative Energy and the legendary Leonard Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town.

Bonus! For every Masterworks concert, Michael Francis has personally chosen a surprise “mystery piece” to enhance the live experience. What will it be this weekend?

Classical Kids & Teens: Kids and teens ages 5-18 get in free to all Masterworks concerts with Classical Kids tickets, thanks in part to the generous support of an anonymous donor. At least one paying adult purchase is required per order, and other restrictions apply. These tickets are available in advance only through The Florida Orchestra Ticket Center. For more information and tickets, call 727.892.3337.

Aldo López-Gavilán plays the Steinway Piano from the Music Gallery, exclusive agents for Steinway & Sons.

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Rapsodia en Azul de Gershwin

Michael Francis llena este programa con grandes estadounidenses en honor a Rhapsody in Blue de Gershwin, la pieza central de nuestra temporada. Esta obra maestra revolucionaria combinó jazz y música clásica para cambiar la música para siempre cuando debutó hace 100 años, en 1924. El lanzamiento del concierto es Herald, Holler and Hallelujah, una poderosa fanfarria de metales y percusión del ícono del jazz Wynton Marsalis. Mientras vivía en la soleada Hollywood, Stravinsky se alimentó de su amor por el jazz estadounidense con su Concierto de Ebano, esta semana con la clarinete principal de TFO, Natalie Hoe. Completan el programa la película de alto voltaje Alternative Energy, ganadora del premio Grammy, Mason Bates, y Three Dance Episodios de On the Town, del legendario Leonard Bernstein.

¡”Prima – Bonus”! Para cada concierto de Masterworks, Michael Francis ha elegido personalmente una “pieza misteriosa” sorpresa para mejorar la experiencia en vivo. ¿Qué será este fin de semana?

Wynton Marsalis
(b. 1961)
Herald, Holler & Hallelujah: Fanfare for Brass & Percussion *

Mason Bates
(b. 1977)
Alternative Energy for Orchestra & Electronica ♪
Fords’ Farm, 1896 –
Chicago, 2012
Xianjiang Province, 2112 –
Reykjavik, 2222

– Intermission –

Leonard Bernstein
(1918-1990)
Three Dance Episodes from On The Town ♫
I. The Great Lover
II. Lonely Town (Pas de deux)
III. Times Square: 1944

Igor Stravinsky
(1882-1971)
Ebony Concerto ♫
Natalie Hoe, clarinet

George Gershwin
(1898-1937)
Rhapsody in Blue
Aldo López-Gavilán, piano

* Music represented by Subito Music for Skaynes Music
♪ Music represented by Aphra Music
♫ Music represented by Boosey & Hawkes, Inc.

Program Notes

Author Kurt Loft, freelance writer and former music critic for The Tampa Tribune, provides detailed and informative program notes about the pieces on this program. Click here to read online.

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Pre-Concert Conversations

Get the real story behind the composers and their music, straight from the conductor and guest soloists. Starts one hour before each Masterworks concert in the theater. Included free with each concert ticket. 

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Artists

Learn more about the artists performing on this program.

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The Hough Family
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Sponsor: Pre-Concert Conversation

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