Tenerife Symphony Presents Ravel, Gershwin in 'Rhapsody in Blue'

The Tenerife Symphony Orchestra is presenting a concert this Friday that brings together two musical styles from the same period, but from different sides of the Atlantic. It features the elegant orchestral music of Maurice Ravel from Paris between the World Wars, and the unique jazz-infused sound George Gershwin created in jazz-era New York. The concert is called 'Rhapsody in Blue,' after the famous piece that connects these two traditions and captures the show's theme: music that blends cultures, cities, and rhythms.

The show starts at 7:30 PM in the Symphonic Hall of the Auditorio de Tenerife. American conductor Karen Kamensek will lead the orchestra for the first time, and Asturian pianist Noelia Rodiles will be the guest soloist.

The first half of the concert features two pieces by Ravel, showing off his wide range of musical styles. First is 'La Valse' (1920), a waltz that slowly builds from quiet beginnings into a powerful dance. It pays homage to the waltzes of Vienna while also reflecting a sense of sadness for a world changing after World War I. Next is the Piano Concerto in G major (1931), a brilliant piece that mixes classical music, blues rhythms, and delicate piano parts. Its 'Adagio assai' movement is now one of the most loved sections in 20th-century French music.

Pianist Noelia Rodiles said she's "thrilled" to perform this program, calling the two pieces essential. She added, "Ravel and Gershwin admired and influenced each other. Their music is incredibly creative, bright, and rich in melodies, making them true treasures of classical music."

The second half of the concert explores the music of George Gershwin, a composer famous for bringing jazz into orchestral music. His 'Rhapsody in Blue' (1924) is well-known for its distinct clarinet slide at the beginning. This piece blends blues, ragtime, and orchestral sounds to capture the lively culture of New York in the early 1900s. Gershwin himself called it a "kaleidoscope of America," turning different rhythms and city scenes into music.

The program ends with 'An American in Paris,' a musical journey through the French capital. It's full of vibrant sounds, movement, and humor, featuring car horns, city rhythms, and nostalgic tunes. This piece perfectly shows the artistic connection between Europe and the United States, which is the main idea behind this concert.