Pianist Ian Parker, trumpeter Jens Lindeman lead bold new take on Rhapsody in Blue, March 24

Rhapsody and the Blues concert features a fresh arrangement of George Gershwin’s iconic work for piccolo trumpet, solo piano, and jazz big band

Kay Meek Arts Centre presents Rhapsody and the Blues on March 24 at 7:30 pm at Grosvenor Theatre

TWO CANADIAN MUSICAL heavyweights will lead a concert in West Vancouver this weekend featuring the first new arrangement of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue since the original dance band version of 1924 and the ensuing orchestral arrangement of 1942.

Written for piccolo trumpet, solo piano, and jazz big band, the arrangement makes for a completely different experience from what people might expect of the masterpiece, with even more thrilling rhythms and a whole lot of fun.

Trumpeter Jens Lindeman, a Yamaha artist who plays exclusively on 24-karat gold-plated instruments, is the first classical brass soloist to receive the Order of Canada.

Juilliard-trained Vancouver-born pianist Ian Parker is music director and principal conductor of the VAM Symphony Orchestra at the Vancouver Academy of Music and as artistic director of the Resonate chamber music series at the Kay Meek Arts Centre.

In addition to Rhapsody in Blue, the concert features music by Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, and more.

Check out a sneak peek of Rhapsody in Blue in the video featuring Parker below.

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