BSO show inspired by 20th century American greats

BALLARAT Symphony Orchestra is going out swinging for their last performance of the year.

The music of Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland will feature in their Orchestral Jazz Inspirations concert.

The orchestra aims to wrap up the year with a big exciting orchestral finish as well as commemorate Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday.

BSO committee vice president and French horn player Janice Ballinger said, “The four works featured in the program are fantastic, the Gershwin fits in really well with the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, highlighting the orchestra’s brass, woodwind and percussion.

“While we consider ourselves the best regional orchestra in Victoria, not many top professionals would play with a country orchestra so it is a bit of a coup that pianist May Gavin will be the soloist for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.”

Although written in 1924, Ms Ballinger considers Gershwin’s famous composition ahead of his times.

“It almost sounds like a contemporary piece because some of the rhythms and cords are just way out there. When you first play it, you think, ‘is that a wrong note,’ yet in fact it’s a progression of his rhythmic pulse, that marries in with the Bernstein and Copland pieces.

Copland’s Rodeo – Four Dance Episodes, was included to balance out the program with its hoe down country piece that challenges jazzy rhythms.

In the last item on the program – Symphonic Dances from West Side Story – Ms Ballinger said, “You can hear the two opposing sides in the story, the Sharks theme of Latin jazz rhythms of mambo and cha-cha with the Jets pulsating jazzy fugue sound of the rumble and finale.”

Ms Ballinger doesn’t expect the audience on the night to be cha-cha-chaing down the aisle of the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, however she considers the concert, “Is like an orchestral jazz dance.”

Ballarat Symphony Orchestra’s Orchestral Jazz Inspirations concert will be held on Sunday, 2 December at 2.30pm at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, 1220 Howitt Street Wendouree.

Adults $35, concession $30, student $15, under 12 free. Tickets available from the centre on 5338 0980 or at the door.