Sunday, November 4, 2012
Florida Orchestra kicks off historic week with Gershwin favorites
Posted by Julie Garisto on Sun, Nov 4, 2012 at 5:41 PM
From delicate taps on a triangle to a groovy stand-up bass solo, the orchestra did justice to the melodic and soulful majesty of the 20th century composer. Photo stills projected on a screen accompanied anecdotes about Gershwin’s life, concert stories and insights into his songwriting. One tale said that rhythms of tracks clanging on a train ride inspired “Rhapsody in Blue.” The show’s apex offered a rousing and breathtaking rendition of the first-of-its-kind jazz-orchestral piece, highlighted by co-producer/pianist Kevin Cole’s impassioned performance. His dancing fingers projected on a screen above.
Other Gershwin favorites included “S’wonderuful,” “Summertime” and “Love Is Here to Stay,” which was the final song Gershwin wrote before his untimely death at 38, sung by o-producer, pianist and narrator Kevin Cole. His was the most feeling vocal performance of the night, which also offered the Lawrence Welk Show stylings of Sylvia McNair and a charming tap dancer/singer Danny Gardner.
The final concert of the Gershwin series is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
The orchestra members take a break and spotlights National Symphony of Cuba: Gershwin and Beethoven Wed. night at Mahaffey Theater. Guido Lopez-Gavilan conducts with pianist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera.
The history-making visit of the Cuban symphony also includes a chamber music concert — appropriately enough — at the Cuban Club in Ybor City Tues. at 7:30 p.m. ($25 and $40) and a master class at University of Tampa. Visit floridaorchestra.org for more information.
Comments (1)
Showing 1-1 of 1
Readers also liked…
-
The Daily Show's Aasif Mandvi tries to get Gov. Rick Scott to pee into a cup
The Daily Show's Aasif Mandvi crashes Gov. Rick Scott's press conference for an impromptu drug test. Scott cast his alien gaze upon the reporter, and …
-
Shoppe till you droppe: Black Friday alternatives
Avoid the shopping melee and buy local; it's good for your sanity and community!
Latest in Daily Loaf
-
Eat a burger, help your neighbor
A portion of proceeds from several menu items will be donated to military families and tornado victims.
-
Rick Kriseman says Kathleen Ford's advocacy against the Lens could hurt her run for mayor
Kriseman said city officials have made a mistake by opting to shut down the Pier next weekend.
-
Summertime farmers markets
There's no need to worry about a lack of local produce.
- More »
More by Julie Garisto
-
Opera Tampa Maestro Daniel Lipton
The company's new leader got Florida Opera Festival off to an auspicious start.
-
Come hither, homies! RenFest parody takes Macklemore back five centuries
"This mead is hella dope."
- More »
People who saved…
