The Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus (OVOC) are highlighting the fusion of jazz and classical music in their spring concert, with a performance of George Gershwin’s sumptuous “Rhapsody in Blue” featuring pianist Kathryn Castrodale. The orchestra and choir will also team up on another Gershwin classic in a medley of selections from his operatic musical “Porgy and Bess” for the March 24 performance.
Gershwin wrote “Rhapsody in Blue” in just a few weeks in 1924 at the age of 25 and was piano soloist for its debut that same year. Originally billed as a jazz concerto, “Rhapsody in Blue” incorporates syncopated jazz rhythms and lush, symphonic passages for orchestra.
Gershwin’s own description best captures the complexity — and timeliness — of the work: “I heard it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our metropolitan madness.”
Castrodale first performed “Rhapsody in Blue” at the age of 15 and has been in love with the piece ever since. Since that early performance, she has played it several times in concert with both OVOC and other orchestras.
The orchestra will also perform two movements from 19th-century Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” that evoke paintings the composer saw at an art exhibit.
The chorus is presenting a variety of colorful songs to celebrate spring, including a setting of Robert Burns’ poem “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose,” “Over the Rainbow” and “Blue Moon.”
The concert — OVOC’s final performance this season — is at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Omak Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for ages 13 – 18, and free for children 12 and under.
