Bravo! Concerts Northwest: Rhapsody in Blue

• Maria Manzo, piano
• Michael Kissinger, conductor & clarinet

In 1924, George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue revolutionized modern American music, by blending jazz with classical music. Gershwin captured the American spirit and the "Jazz Age" of the 1920s with this now jazz classic. We celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue on this concert featuring pianist Maria Manzo and ­­­­­­­­­­­clarinetist Michael Kissinger. ALSO on the program are two other jazz pieces for choir and jazz combo: Dave Brubeck's masterpiece for choir and jazz quartet, To Hope: A Celebration featuring the Bravo! Northwest Chamber Choir and jazz quartet; and the premiere of Michael Kissinger's Jazz Psalms for Peace. If you LOVE jazz, this concert is for you!

About Bravo! Concerts Northwest

https://www.bravoconcerts.com/home.html

About Bravo! Northwest Chamber Choir

The Bravo! Chorale is recognized as one of the premiere civic choral groups in the Pacific Northwest. Our members live throughout the Portland-Vancouver region and include both highly trained amateur and professional musicians. The Chorale has performed many of the major choral music from the 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries.

About Maria Manzo, piano

Pianist Maria Manzo – has performed with groups ranging in style from the Brubeck Brothers Jazz Quartet, Oregon String Quartet, and Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. She is Founder of Bravo! Concerts Northwest and Director of the Bravo! Northwest Chorale.

About Michael Kissinger, conductor & clarinet

Michael Kissinger is a classical and jazz clarinetist, composer, and producer. He is Artistic Director of the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival. GRAMMY-winning jazz singer Diane Schuur says: "Michael is the best clarinetist I have ever worked with, and I've heard them all!"