The Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra – OSPA – presents the concert “Rhapsody in Blue 100 years”, on Friday (19/04). A success since its debut in 1924, the chords designed by George Gershwin (1898-1937) reached the ears of the general public in various ways, from the opening of Woody Allen’s film “Manhattan” to a widely broadcast United Airlines commercial. in the 1980s.
The Russian pianist based in Brazil, Anastasiya Evsina is the soloist invited to perform the piece. OSPA also welcomes regent Catherine Larsen-Maguire who, like Evsina, received a standing ovation at the OSPA House last year. The concert starts at 8pm, in the Symphonic Room of the OSPA House, with live broadcast on the OSPA YouTube channel. Tickets can be purchased through Sympla, for prices between R$10 and R$50.
According to conductor Catherine Larsen-Maguire, “Rhapsody in Blue” remains innovative one hundred years later. Its characteristics of “joy, energy and rhythm” are guiding threads throughout the OSPA concert, which unites in its repertoire three brilliant 20th century North American composers. By Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) – conductor and composer whose life was recently portrayed in the film “Maestro” –, OSPA performs the opening of the operetta “Candide”, inspired by the short story “Cândido, ou o Optimism”, by Voltaire. Reflecting the title character’s good humor, the song is an exuberant piece that “combines lyrical melodies with typical New York boldness,” according to Larsen-Maguire.
Next, pianist Anastasiya Evsina takes the OSPA stage to perform “Rhapsody in Blue”. George Gershwin’s masterpiece built a bridge between concert halls and jazz bars.
After the intermission, OSPA performs the majestic third symphony by Aaron Copland (1900-1990), considered a leader among American composers. According to Leonard Bernstein, who conducted a famous version of the work with the New York Philharmonic, the symphony is “an American monument.” The fourth movement contains the famous “Fanfare for the Common Man”, whose melody reflected the patriotic spirit of the post-war United States in 1946. Instantly recognizable, the heroic composition encompasses sporting events, Hollywood films, official ceremonies and even the traditional New Year’s Eve party in Times Square, New York.
The public will be able to learn more about the repertoire before this week’s concert. OSPA cellist Murilo Alves will talk about the specificities of music and its composers in the Concert Notes project lecture, on Friday, at 7pm, in the Recitais Room.
PORTO ALEGRE SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA FOUNDATION – OSPA
RHAPSODY IN BLUE 100 ANOS
- FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
- Start of the concert: at 8pm. Concert Notes Lecture: at 7pm, with Murilo Alves.
- Where: OSPA House (CAFF – Av. Borges de Medeiros, 1.501, Porto Alegre, RS).
