Erie Philharmonic Starts Off 2025 with Rhapsody in Blue

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Join the Erie Philharmonic for their first symphonic concert of 2025 as they perform George Gershwin's 1924 composition Rhapsody in Blue featuring piano soloist Janice Carissa.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25

The Erie Philharmonic will be kicking off 2025 with a performance of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Janice Carissa performing the iconic composition over a century after its debut. Accompanying Gershwin's fusion of classical music and jazz will be Ralph Vaughan Williams's Tallis Fantasia and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5.

American bandleader Paul Whiteman commissioned Gershwin to write a concerto-inspired jazz composition in honor of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, having been impressed with the composer's work with the one-act jazz opera Blue Monday and fellow collaborations on Broadway. Gershwin initially declined due to the timeframe but was persuaded after news of the partnership broke in the Jan. 4 edition of the New York Tribune and claims from Whiteman that rival bandleader Vincent Lopez would steal the concert style. Initially titled American Rhapsody, Gershwin wrote the original manuscript for two pianos in just five weeks — and many of the thematic ideas were inspired by a train ride from Boston.

George's brother Ira suggested changing the composition title to Rhapsody in Blue after visiting an exhibition of paintings by James McNeill Whistler. With the score complete, Gershwin gave the piece to Whiteman's arranger Ferde Grofe, who completed the orchestration eight days before the premiere. Rhapsody in Blue premiered on Feb. 12, 1924, at the Aeolian Hall in New York City and was performed by Paul Whiteman's Palais Royal Orchestra. Many of the composition's signature hallmarks, such as the extended glissando from clarinetist Ross Gorman and Gershwin's piano solo, were improvised during rehearsals. The critical reception was a success, and Whiteman would sell over a million copies of the composition by 1927.

The piano soloist gracing the Warner Theatre stage during this performance, Janice Carissa, has previously performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony, the Nashville Symphony, and the Berlin Philharmonic, captivating audiences worldwide at the United Nations, Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and for the President of Indonesia. The native Indonesian is a recipient of the Salon de Virtuosi and the Gilmore Young Artist award, and in addition, is a member of the Jupiter Chamber Players and American collective Ensemble 132. Carissa studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and received her master's degree from The Julliard School as a Konver Fellow. Erie is lucky to have her for this one special night.

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $17-$61 // For tickets and info: eriephil.org