Colorado Symphony Orchestra: Peter Oundjian & Michelle Cann - Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue stands as one of America's most beloved and recognizable classical works, a groundbreaking 1924 composition that brilliantly fused jazz rhythms with symphonic grandeur. This iconic piece helped establish American classical music on the world stage, opening with its famous clarinet glissando that immediately transports listeners into Gershwin's vivid musical portrait of 1920s New York. The work's innovative blend of classical structure with jazz harmonies and blues inflections created something entirely new, earning it a permanent place in the concert hall repertoire.

Expect an exhilarating musical journey that captures the energy and optimism of the Jazz Age while showcasing the full power of a symphony orchestra. Under the baton of Peter Oundjian, the Colorado Symphony will deliver the work's sweeping orchestral passages and intricate interplay between soloist and ensemble. Pianist Michelle Cann will take center stage for the demanding solo piano part, which requires both technical brilliance and an intuitive feel for jazz styling. This performance appeals to classical music veterans and newcomers alike, as Gershwin's accessible melodies and infectious rhythms make it an ideal gateway piece for those new to symphonic music.

Boettcher Concert Hall provides an intimate and acoustically superior setting for this performance, with its unique 360-degree seating arrangement ensuring every audience member enjoys an immersive experience. Located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, this distinctive venue places the orchestra at the center, creating an unusually close connection between performers and audience. The hall's renowned acoustics will highlight both the subtle jazz inflections and the full orchestral climaxes that make Rhapsody in Blue so thrilling in live performance.

Browse the available performance dates on CultureTicks to secure your seats for this quintessentially American musical experience.