Gershwin and Bernstein

In the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin proved that classical music could be revitalised when embracing popular styles, not degraded. For the final concert of our season, works by both composers demonstrate that process in action. We open with the piece that brought the wicked excitement of jazz onto the concert stage and made Gershwin a star, his Rhapsody in Blue. In West Side Story, Bernstein supplemented his wicked syncopations and fast-lane drive with the most memorable tunes he would write. Bernstein’s two suites of highlights include the best songs, most contagious dances and greatest orchestral moments from what many consider the greatest modern musical.