Rhapsody in Blue

January 15, 2011 • 7:30 pm

Berlioz • Roman Carnival Overture

Grondahl • Trombone Concerto

Ravel • Bolero

Gershwin • Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin • An American in Paris

This concert could be considered an international celebration with French composers Berlioz and Ravel, Danish composer Grondahl, and Gershwin the American.

Two of Gershwin’s most popular works, American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue will be performed. Ravel’s Bolero is a real block buster that includes saxophones. Berlioz’s exuberant overture celebrates Carnival, influenced by his long stay in Rome; this overture includes a lively Italian saltarello dance as well as a slow, love duet. Danish composer Grondahl wrote his Trombone Concerto while living in Italy, lending the music a combination of expressive Italian singing and warmth with Danish coolness and musical angularity.

The CSO is pleased to present two guest artists this concert featuring a trombone concerto for the audience with soloist John Neurohr and a CSO debut with pianist Katie Mahan playing Rhapsody in Blue.

Listen here to an excerpt from Ravel’s Bolero: Bolero

Listen here to an excerpt from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue: Rhapsody in Blue