![]() Gershwin, who was inspired by the melting pot of America as he composed the original piece, was himself the son of immigrants. Rhapsody in Blue received exuberant praise and helped to usher in the jazz age as America rebounded from the losses of World War I and a global pandemic. I think he would be so thrilled to know that this piece is still part of the colorful, beautiful, multicultural musical kaleidoscope of America, now and for generations to come.” It’s been a great thrill to reflect on the story of an American century and my own family’s journey of immigration and social change, as expressed in Gershwin’s music. ![]() Says Downes: “ Rhapsody In Blue holds a special place in my heart as both a musician and a lover of music. Learn more about the project here: rhapsody-in-blue-100 ![]() It features Afro-Caribbean rhythms and instruments, and musical elements that represent American journeys from many corners of the globe. This new arrangement fills the Rhapsody with the sounds of Downes’ own lineage, as well as Colón’s. Downes believes that centering young musicians in this project is one of its most important attributes: t he next generation finding something brand new in something a century old.ĭownes’ mission for Rhapsody In Blue at 100 is to celebrate the waves upon waves of new arrivals to this country over the past century. More information on the premiere can be found here, and the performance will be also livestreamed on October 21 at 7:30PM Pacific here: 1718470/8c981de8f2ĭownes, the orchestra and Outwater will record the piece that same weekend with Grammy award-winning producer Adam Abeshouse. The World Premiere of this adventurous new work will take place October 21 in San Francisco, featuring Downes and the future-forward ensemble of dynamic young musicians in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra, led by conductor Edwin Outwater. It will also be featured on a forthcoming full album entitled This Land, a reflection on diverse American journeys that includes works by Arturo O’Farrill, Kian Ravaei, Jake Heggie and Margaret Bonds, to be released on Pentatone in fall of 2024. Rhapsody In Blue Reimagined, featuring Downes at the piano, will be released on February 2, 2024, on the Pentatone label. Downes has commissioned a radical new arrangement of Rhapsody In Blue by Puerto Rican composer Edmar Colón that reverberates with the multicultural, kaleidoscopic sounds of America today. Octo- In February 1924, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was premiered in New York City, capturing the exuberant essence of what Gershwin called “a musical kaleidoscope of America.” 100 years later, iconoclastic American pianist Lara Downes reimagines Gershwin’s masterpiece to reflect on a century of immigration and transformation. World Premiere October 21 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music A Radical Reimagining of Rhapsody In Blue To Celebrate 100th AnniversaryĪmerican Pianist Lara Downes’ Rhapsody In Blue Reimagined Reflects on a Century of Immigration and Transformation (February 2 / Pentatone)įeaturing the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra
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