Lubbock Symphony kicks off Masterworks Series with 'Rhapsodies' Friday

Staff Reports
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Lubbockites who are attending Friday night's symphony concert are in for a unique mix of new and familiar. The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra will present its first Masterworks concert of the season, titled “Rhapsodies,” at 7:30 Friday evening at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.

Lubbock Symphony Orchestra will present its first Masterworks concert of the season, titled “Rhapsodies,” at 7:30 Friday evening, Sept. 22 at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. The concert will feature a blend of jazz and classical music with guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel.
Lubbock Symphony Orchestra will present its first Masterworks concert of the season, titled “Rhapsodies,” at 7:30 Friday evening, Sept. 22 at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. The concert will feature a blend of jazz and classical music with guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

Sponsored by City Bank of Lubbock, this concert features a blend of jazz and classical music, with guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” as well as a new work, “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue,” by composer Peter Boyer, which was composed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s work while also embracing celebrating diversity and unity through music.

The concert concludes with Beethoven's mighty “Symphony No. 5” — known for its iconic "dun-dun-dun-duuuuunnnnn" opening motif — which exudes the same enthusiasm and energy as a rhapsody.

More: Maestro looking forward to upcoming Lubbock Symphony season, 'Best Of'

In recognition of the centennial celebration of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel created the Rhapsody National Initiative and commissioned Peter Boyer to compose a new work for piano and orchestra inspired by the iconic masterpiece. To showcase this new work, “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue,” which symbolizes the American flag, performances will be held in all 50 states over three years.

"When my uncle, George Gershwin, set out to compose a new musical work reflecting the diversity of New York City within a few short weeks, 'Rhapsody in Blue' was born, and became a national musical tapestry of our country," Gershwin’s nephew, Marc George Gershwin, explains. "The pianist, Jeffrey Biegel, has been one of the Rhapsody's fondest advocates, having recorded two versions based on historical manuscripts. His love of my uncle's music, of America, and of people, steered him to have a vision for a diverse America of the 21st century through music to further reflect our unity."

Lubbock Symphony Orchestra's 2023-24 season, "Best Of," will feature 13 concerts — five masterworks performances, four chamber concerts and four special events.
Lubbock Symphony Orchestra's 2023-24 season, "Best Of," will feature 13 concerts — five masterworks performances, four chamber concerts and four special events.

In addition to the concert, the Lubbock Symphony will offer a unique pre-concert experience. “ClefNotes,” a beginner-friendly discussion about the performance, will take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m., preceding the concert, and is available for all concertgoers. Hosted by SiriusXM Symphony Hall’s John Clare, this talk is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the music that will be heard at the concert, covering historical context, composers, important musical moments, and more, the symphony said.

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling 806-762-1688 or at LubbockSymphony.org.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock Symphony kicks off Masterworks Series with 'Rhapsodies' Friday