This year our annual Port Moody event “The Smile of Spring” will be dedicated to George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, one of the most important and influential works of the 20th century. Yarilo pianists Jane Hayes and Anna Levy will be joined by guests jazz musicians Kristian Alexandrov and Shanon Gay to offer a new look at this piece. Come and enjoy the unique experience of a musical collage composed of the most popular pieces and songs of George Gershwin!
In two parts, we will present classical and jazz compositions. In part one, we will feature classical music choices by Jocelyn Morlock, Witold Lutoslawski, and a work by Bulgarian composer Bentzion Eliezer which has been strongly influenced by Rhapsody in Blue, combining jazz and Bulgarian folk tunes in a popular medley. In part two, we transition to jazz and present Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue—Re-envisioned.
We express our special thanks to Manuel Bernachek of Showcase Pianos for bringing to this event two of the world’s best grand pianos! Without his help this concert would not be possible.
We also would like to express our gratitude to the Pleasantside Community Association for supporting these concerts over the past several years.