Rhapsody 100 (The Experiment Continues): Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”

MILESTONE MUSICAL EVENT RECREATED AT UNC ASHEVILLE

The Music Department at the University of North Carolina Asheville celebrates the 100th anniversary of the debut of George Gershwin’s American classic, “Rhapsody in Blue,” with a campus concert titled “Rhapsody 100 (The Experiment Continues)” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, in Lipinsky Auditorium. 

Tickets will be $35 in advance / $40 at the door for the general public and $5 for UNC Asheville students, staff and faculty. Purchase tickets here.

The original 1924 “Experiment in Modern Music” concert, which debuted Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” was a uniquely American fusion of  jazz and classical music. The centennial concert will bring together talented UNC Asheville faculty and esteemed musicians from the greater community in an “Ashevillean” spirit of musical experimentation. A highlight of the 2023-2024 UNCA Loves Piano concert series, this event features a full orchestra, a jazz combo and distinguished soloists and conductors. 

The first set reprises, note-for-note, several concert pieces played at the original “Experiment In Modern Music” concert. These selections will be directed by Asheville’s ”godfather of jazz” Russ Wilson, with the “Rhapsody” piano part played by Hwa-Jin Kim, lecturer in the music department. 

The second set includes new and original works and arrangements from faculty members William Bares, pianist/composer and professor of music, and trumpeter/composer Justin Ray.  The concert concludes with Emily Eng, lecturer of music, conducting faculty composer/pianist Richard Shulman’s “Indigo Fantasy,” with Brian Felix, solo pianist and professor of music.