By George: The Life and Music of George Gershwin

Tuesday, March 10, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Daniel Weiser
In this lecture-recital, pianist Daniel Weiser will explore the tragically short, but incredibly productive, life of America’s greatest composer. The son of Russian immigrants, Gershwin grew up in the rough streets of New York where he soaked up the melting pot of sounds. Combining elements of “Jewish” music with the “Blues” and “Ragtime,” Gershwin helped produce the brash new “Jazz” and “Broadway” sound that made New York City the new mecca for musical culture in the 1920s and 30s. He also travelled seamlessly between the “classical” and “popular” worlds to reveal the continuum of these idioms. Dr. Weiser will play much of Gershwin’s concert music,including “Rhapsody in Blue,” “American in Paris,” and his “Preludes,” as well as many of the iconic songs he wrote with his brother, Ira.