Myrtle Beach Launches Concert Season with Spectacular Gershwin Celebration

Myrtle Beach Kicks Off Concert Season with Exciting Gershwin Celebration!

Hey there, music lovers! Sunday, November 3, marked a splendid evening for the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra (LBS) as they launched their 2024-25 concert season with a delightful celebration titled A Gershwin Centennial Celebration. The concert took place at the vibrant Myrtle Beach High School Music and Arts Center and brought together a lineup of some of George Gershwin’s most beloved works in honor of the 100th anniversary of his iconic piece, Rhapsody in Blue.

Dancing the Night Away to Gershwin’s Magical Tunes

The audience was treated to not just one, but four extraordinary pieces that showcased Gershwin’s brilliance from the 1920s through the early 1930s. First up was the Cuban Overture, conducted by the talented Nymka Odsuren, a member of the LBS violin section. This vibrant piece took the crowd straight to Cuba with its lively Latin rhythms and cheerful sounds. Picture the infectious beat of claves, maracas, and bongo drums swirling through the auditorium as the LBS percussion section nailed the exhilarating vibes.

As noted in the concert program, this piece reflects Gershwin’s knack for blending cultures through music, likely inspired by a Cuban vacation. The audience couldn’t help but respond, moving with the rhythms like a night at a Latin club—what a way to kick off the night!

A Journey into Jazz with Rhapsody in Blue

Next up was the star of the night, the one they had all been waiting for: Rhapsody in Blue. Originally composed in 1924 for a jazz band, this piece has become a staple in orchestral performances. Conducted by Charles Evans and featuring the extraordinary pianist Philip Powell, the audience was taken on a rollercoaster of feelings, beginning with a stunning clarinet solo courtesy of Joelle La Rue-Gardner, who set the stage beautifully.

Listeners were treated to the elegance of classical music fused seamlessly with the spirited essence of jazz, thanks to Powell’s masterful execution. He didn’t just play notes; he breathed life into every beat, earning raving applause from an audience clearly enchanted by his performance.

An American Adventure in Paris

Then, the LBS whisked everyone away to the romantic streets of Paris with An American in Paris, which debuted in 1928. This piece captures the essence of a homesick American soaking in the sights, sounds, and moods of Parisian life. With an engaging mixture of bluesy undertones and lively rhythms, listeners could easily picture cars honking and bustling streets filled with life.

Again, the orchestra hit it out of the park! Featuring stunning solos by talented musicians like William Terwilliger on violin and James Canty on trumpet, the cohesion of the orchestral sections made them feel like a well-rehearsed ensemble, rather than just a collection of individual performers. The joy in the room was palpable, prompting enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience!

Ending on a High Note with Concerto in F

The final piece of the evening, Concerto in F, retained the audience’s rapt attention as they experienced Gershwin’s exploration of combining jazz and classical music. This work is traditionally structured in three movements, with stunning solos from orchestral talents like Jessica Leeth on flute and Jessica Miller on oboe shining through beautifully.

Pianist Philip Powell took center stage once more, embodying the very essence of every passage. His ability to shift smoothly between classical forms and jazzy improvisations left the audience breathless as the concert came to a close. They erupted in raucous applause, standing and cheering as the energy in the room hit an all-time high!

Looking Ahead: Celebrate with the Beatles!

As smiles lingered in the air, the conductor Evans recognized soloists and the entire orchestra for their astounding performances. And here’s the fun part—keep your calendars open because the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for a special event later this month: Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles! It sounds like another fantastic journey awaits!

Wrapping up an evening filled with musical history, passion, and pure joy, Myrtle Beach showed once again that it knows how to celebrate culture in style. Until next time, keep your spirits high and your love for music alive!