(MENAFN- the peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
the peninsula
doha, qatar: qatar is set to witness a historic musical event as the renowned gershwin piano concerto in f will be performed live by the qatar philharmonic orchestra (qpo) for the first time in the country.
this extraordinary masterpiece, known for its fusion of jazz, blues, and ragtime with classical elements, will be brought to life by the talented pianist sonja park, the first steinway artist in the middle east. music enthusiasts can mark their calendars for saturday, june 24, when the concert will take place at the qatar national convention centre.
the gershwin piano concerto in f, a composition that showcases george gershwin's genius, incorporates a fascinating blend of musical styles. it skillfully weaves together jazz, blues, and ragtime with classical forms such as sonata, allegro, and rondo. a closer examination of the piece reveals gershwin's signature harmonic progressions, including modulations by third or fourth degree, modal mixture, secondary dominants, and chromaticism.
excitement is building among both the performers and the audience for this much-anticipated event. sonja park (pictured), who will be performing the concerto, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,“the gershwin piano concerto in f has never been performed in qatar, and it is also my first time playing this piece. i've dedicated myself to learning it specifically for this occasion. it is an incredibly captivating and emotionally charged work, and i can't wait to share it with the audience!”
park explained that the concert programme promises to touch and“tickle” the audience's deepest emotions, inviting them to tap their toes to the rhythm. she added:“i am truly looking forward to my first encounter with george gershwin on stage.”
the gershwin piano concerto in f has the remarkable ability to appeal to both classical music enthusiasts and those who prefer other genres. its fusion of styles, familiar melodies featured in commercials and movies, infectious energy, emotional expressiveness, and accessibility make it a truly versatile piece. park emphasised these qualities, stating:“the concerto beautifully blends classical music with jazz, blues, and popular music of its time (1920s). gershwin's compositions and melodies have been widely featured in tv commercials and movies. it is a really fun piece to listen to, even if you're not a fan of classical music.”
with its lively rhythms, fast-paced piano playing, and moments of heartfelt emotion, the concerto keeps the audience engaged throughout. its accessibility and approachability make it an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with classical conventions. park noted:“gershwin's gift for crafting poignant melodies allows the audience to connect with the music on an emotional level.”
in addition to gershwin's masterpiece, the june 24 concert will feature other notable works, including alberto ginastera's estancia suite“four dances” op. 8a and igor stravinsky's suite from the firebird (1945 version).
people interested in attending can purchase tickets through the qpo website. concert starts at 7:30pm.