Gershwin’s Piano Concerto

6:30PM – FREE PRE-CONCERT TALK! Join us in the Performance Hall to learn more about the program.   Music can transport a listener anywhere. Take a musical journey to the early 20th century with the Charleston Symphony inspired by American jazz and the beauty of Rome. At the height of his popularity (following the success of Rhapsody in Blue), George Gershwin tackled his most significant undertaking in the orchestral genre—his Piano Concerto. Pianist Maxim Lando, who last performed with the Charleston Symphony in 2024 to much acclaim, will return as guest pianist. A superbly talented musical leader and conductor, Ming Luke has made a name for himself, attracting worldwide audiences with performances of both symphonic and theatrical works. To say Rome inspired the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi would be an understatement. His poetic reverence for the “Eternal City’s” fountains (written first) and trees is captured flawlessly in his Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome. Respighi was a genius at capturing place and time; both are major players in these works.   MORE ON THE MUSIC & ARTISTS: In a concert review, The New York Times wrote, “Maxim Lando displayed brilliance and infectious exuberance.” Ming Luke is the Music Director for the Nashville Ballet and Principal Guest Conductor of the San Francisco Ballet. Gershwin said, about his Piano Concerto, “Many persons had thought that the Rhapsody was only a happy accident. Well, I went out, for one thing, to show them that there was plenty more where that had come from.”     PROGRAM George Gershwin (1898-1937) Piano Concerto In F Major                   INTERMISSION   Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) Fountains of Rome + Pines of Rome     ARTISTS Ming Luke, Conductor Maxim Lando, Piano   Supporting Sponsor: