We are delighted to begin our 90th Anniversary Season by featuring two beloved works written, yes, 90 years ago: Maurice Ravel’s Bolero and George Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Gershwin’s musical love letter to Paris made such an impression in 1928 that it became the inspiration for the 1951 film of the same name. Also on the program is Gershwin’s popular and jazzy Rhapsody in Blue, featuring the world renowned piano virtuoso, Anton Nel.
Maurice Ravel’s tour de force of orchestration, Bolero, (also from 1928) is his best known composition. With its repetitive Spanish dance rhythm providing the foundation for the entire piece, Ravel explores the vast possibilities of musical colors an orchestra can create, resulting in a marvelous showcase for all of the instruments in the orchestra. Also, on the program is Ravel’s masterpiece La Valse, a remarkable piece of music expressing his own joie de vivre and admiration for the iconic Viennese dance form, the waltz.
The program will begin with Leonard Bernstein’s boisterous Overture to Candide in honor of the great American conductor, composer, pianist, and statesmen’s 100th anniversary year.
Program:
Bernstein’s Candide Overture.......5 mins
Gershwin’s An American In Paris.......18 mins
Ravel’s La Valse.......14mins
IntermissionGershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue featuring guest soloist Anton Nel.......16 mins
Ravel’s Bolero.......14 mins
6PM - Classical Conversations with Music Director Stefan Sanders and Chris Vaneman, Director of Petrie School of Music at Converse College
7PM - Performance
Things to note: Valet Parking provided at no cost. Refreshments are available for purchase.