VARIOUS: TRIBUTE CONCERT TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMPOSER GEORGE GERSHWIN'S BIRTH

Record ID: 387757

  • Title: VARIOUS: TRIBUTE CONCERT TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMPOSER GEORGE GERSHWIN'S BIRTH
  • Date: 4th October 1998
  • Summary: LONDON, UK. (OCTOBER 4 1998) (RTV) JOANNE BENJAMIN, GERSHWIN TRIBUTE CONCERT PRODUCER, SAYS OF GEORGE GERSHWIN, (SOUNDBITE ENGLISH) "HE HAS THE BIGGEST REPERTOIRE THROUGH CLASSICAL MUSIC, THROUGH TIN PAN ALLEY, THROUGH HOLLYWOOD, BROADWAY, OF ANY MODERN COMPOSER THIS CENTURY AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT HIS WORK IS TIMELESS. THE SONGS YOU HEAR ON STAGE TODAY S
  • Embargoed: 19th October 1998 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM AND VARIOUS LOCATIONS UNITED STATES.
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA9Z6SSHWXST3ZOUIC5A1S06E2M
  • Story Text: As part of the on-going celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's birth, artistes gathered at London's famous Palladium theatre for a one-off concert celebrating Gershwin's work - and with the aid of modern technology Gershwin himself 'played' too.
    A one-off tribute concert to George Gershwin was staged in London's famous Palladium theatre this weekend - as part of the on-going world-wide celebrations to mark a hundred years since the great composer's birth.
    American violin virtuoso Joshua Bell, mezzo soprano Cynthia Clarey, Broadway stars Kim Criswell, Lorna Dallas and Maureen McGovern and British talents Sir Cliff Richard and Brian Conley gathered for the tribute - which was produced in association with the Gershwin family.
    The concert, the major UK Centennial Event, was conducted by renowned Broadway conductor, Paul Gemignani.
    And in a unique application of old and modern technology, Gershwin HIMSELF actually PLAYED in the concert.
    Old Piano "rolls," cardboard recordings of Gershwin playing the piano, were re-played on stage - the very notes and his interpretation coming to life - and accompanied by rising US violin virtuoso Joshua Bell.
    Bell has released an album of violin interpretations of Gershwin's work - a "Gershwin Fantasy" based on the work of Jascha Heifetz - a friend of Gershwin who, following the composer's tragically early death at 39 from a brain tumour, orchestrated some of his work for violin.
    Speaking at the Palladium, Bell said, "It's awesome - I feel like I'm playing chamber music with Gershwin!"
    Comedian Brian Conley brought his own interpretation to Gershwin's work - a unique rendition of "S'Wonderful" combined with 'fire-eating,' and there was a duet by Sir Cliff Richard and Helen Hobson for "Someone To Watch Over Me."
    Proceeds from the concert go to the UK Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund and a charity for people with learning disabilities.
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