Star-Spangled Evening / Jon Kimura Parker / Britt Orchestra

Sunday, August 17, 2008 • 8 p.m.

Gould	Star-Spangled Overture from American Ballads
Gershwin	Concerto in F
Copland	Symphony No. 3

The stars will be out on stage as well as in the evening sky for this exciting all-American closing night concert. The program opens with Morton Gould's salute to America commissioned during the Bicentennial to capture the essence of the American spirit in sound.

A truly American musical voice, George Gershwin possessed a phenomenal gift for melody, a natural feeling for dramatic pacing and he seemed to know what audiences would like, remember, and want to hear again. His Concerto in F stands as one of the high points in the merging of European sensibilities with the freedom, rhythmic excitement, and bravado of jazz and American musical theater.

Pianist Jon Kimura "Jackie" Parker plays music ranging from Beethoven to Billy Joel with heart-wrenching feeling. In addition to his prodigious talent, intelligence and deft touch, he is known for the charismatic personality and joy he brings to his performances. Jackie's exuberance and warmth are sure to make this an unforgettable performance of the Gershwin.

This 46th Britt Classical season will close exultantly with Aaron Copland's Third Symphony. The final movement prominently features his Fanfare for the Common Man.

Described by Leonard Bernstein as "an American monument, like the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial," this symphony is Copland's grandest work.

For more information about Jon Kimura Parker, visit http://www.kimura.com

5.0/5 Stars (2 votes)

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Reviews:

Posted Aug 18, 2008 at 05:42 PM By Britt Patron

Review removed by admin

Posted Aug 18, 2008 at 05:56 PM By Britt Patron

For me, having the Britt Orchestra in town is one of the highlights of summer. Jon Kimura Parker has the perfect musical personality for performing Gershwin, and the Copland Symphony was bold and soul-stirring. This was truly a great night on the Britt Hill.—Sara King Cole, Britt Festivals.

Posted Aug 23, 2008 at 04:31 AM By Britt Patron

This was such a magical night! Could not have been better. LOVED the orchestra’s performance. Thought that Parker was just right on to the last note. He is to me a intellectual and heart felt performer that has thought out every nuance. He is a genius and I can only hope that we get to see him back someday. What a great season! JUST SOOOOOO SO SOOOO FINE!