roberts performs rhapsody

Bandleader, pianist and modern icon of jazz Marcus Roberts joins the Philadelphia Orchestra with his trio for a journey through George Gershwin's timeless Rhapsody In Blue! The captivating, jazz-tinged composition vividly depicts the essence of New York City and is a true American classic, with Gershwin himself described it as "a musical kaleidoscope of America" with its "metropolitan madness". Roberts is the perfect vessel for this stellar, timeless work, with three of his past albums dedicated to Gershwin compositions.

Debuting in 1924 to a star studded audience with fellow classical great Sergei Rachmaninoff in attendance, by 1927 Rhapsody in Blue had already sold one million copies, proving to be one of the early megahits of recorded music. Also on the program is Stravinsky's sublime Petrushka and Kurt Weill's rebellious second symphony, all conducted by the masterful hand of Yannick Nezet-Seguine.