Rhapsody in Blue

Jim Rouse Theatre

Saturday, May 20, 2023 - 7:30 p.m.

Tickets

Valerie Coleman originally wrote a simple melody called "Umoja" the Swahili word for Unity as a song for women's voices, inspired by the call and response of African drum circles. That beautiful tune is quoted in this recent work for orchestra, a stirring and jubilant work celebrating our shared humanity. Aaron Copland also quotes his own melody in his inspiring Third Symphony: Written to celebrate the end of World War II, echoes of his "Fanfare for the Common Man" weave through a work many consider to be "the Great American Symphony." And who better than AnnaMaria Mottola whose jaw dropping classical virtuosity is matched only by her panache as a jazz pianist to bring Gershwin's famous Rhapsody to life!