100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue: A Tribute to Gershwin
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
Finding that perfect night-out experience in the Hudson Valley is not hard to do. With so many incredible offerings in our area, however, the difficulty might be found in choosing just one. Looking to be transported to an atmosphere of elegance and musical brilliance? Might I suggest 100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue: A Tribute to Gershwin featuring renowned pianist Paul Bisaccia presented by Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra at The Stissing Center in Pine Plains on Friday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra (NDSO) formed in 2006 to bring live orchestral music to northern Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley area. The orchestra ranges from 40 to 50 performers, depending on the repertoire and is conducted by Kathleen Beckmann who also serves as artistic director. The orchestra regularly features internationally acclaimed guest artists and talented dance groups with the goal of offering the best live performances possible at family-affordable prices. For this event, the orchestra will have an authentic 1920’s ragtime sound with saxophones and banjo included in the ensemble.
Guest pianist, Paul Bisaccia, made his European debut at age 17 and has performed concerts on four continents. He graduated summa cum laude and first in his class from the Hartt School. He was the first artist to record the complete solo piano music of Gershwin, and was honored to perform Rhapsody in Blue in inauguration ceremonies for the new theater on the site of Aeolian Hall in New York, where Gershwin himself first performed his legendary masterpiece. His PBS television show, Gershwin by Bisaccia, has been seen by millions and was dubbed into Mandarin Chinese for broadcast in Asia.
George Gershwin (1898 - 1937) was one of the most significant and popular American composers of all time. Although he is well known for his popular compositions for the Broadway musical theatre scene, equally as important are his orchestral and piano compositions in which he combines techniques from classical music with nuances of jazz.
“NDSO is so special because it is the only orchestra in the area that presents quality popular music while creating an immersive experience,” says Artistic Director, Kathleen Beckmann. “Not only do we provide visuals to go along with the concert, but attendees also have the wonderful opportunity to converse with the guest soloists at an intimate reception following the concert.”
Although Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue will be the featured piece for the concert, the program will also include solo works of Bisaccia as well as James P. Johnson’s response to Rhapsody in Blue, entitled Yamekraw. “Guests will be transported to vaudeville in the 1920’s with this concert,” Beckmann stated. “This is NDSO’s first time performing at The Stissing Center and we couldn’t have picked a better place to celebrate Gershwin.”
Whether you are a music enthusiast or just eager to be swept away by the timeless beauty of Gershwin’s creations, don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of Gershwin at 100!
If you go:
100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue: A Tribute to Gershwin
The Stissing Center, 2950 Church Street, Pine Plains, NY
Friday, August 30, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
(A Roaring ‘20s meet-the-artist reception begins at 8:15 pm)
www.ndsorchestra.org/gershwin100
845-635-0877
