George Gershwin’s 'An American In Paris'

The Roaring Twenties was a time of heady optimism in Paris. Artists and composers of every genre flocked to the city, and this melting pot of influences saw rules broken and every boundary gleefully crossed in pursuit of new and exciting styles of music and art.

That joyous cross-pollination is immediately evident in these works by Gershwin, Stravinsky and Ravel, hand-picked for this concert by conductor Umberto Clerici.

Gershwin brought the Jazz Age to the concert hall with An American in Paris. From its audacious opening to its explosive tunes, this is music that recreates the lively spirit of Paris, from its dance halls to its streets.

Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand features similarly jazzy rhythms, demanding enormous virtuosity from the pianist. In Konstantin Shamray we have one of Australia’s finest, and he brings his ‘rich, colourful palate of sound’ (Limelight) to this extraordinary work.

Stravinsky’s Pulcinella sees the composer looking back to more classical times. His trademark ingenuity shines through in the contrasts of instrumental voices, creating a work that feels familiar and excitingly new.