Event Concerts and Performances “Rhapsody in Blue” at 100 with Simone Dinnerstein and the U.S. Air Force Band

Date and Location

  • When: Monday, February 12, 2024

    8:00 pm - 10:00 pm EST

  • Where: Thomas Jefferson Building - Coolidge Auditorium (LJG45A)

    10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20540

Part of Concerts from the Library of Congress

Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

Musicians 
The United States Air Force Band 
Simone Dinnerstein, piano 

On February 12, 1924, George Gershwin appeared at the piano with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra for the premiere of his freshly-minted Rhapsody in Blue. The iconic work was initially orchestrated by Ferde Grofé for Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, a unique ensemble with musicians whose abilities were known inside out. Here to bring that original sound back to life is the The United States Air Force Band, with special guest pianist Simone Dinnerstein. You will see the original manuscripts of this famed work of Americana drawn from the George and Ira Gershwin Collection and Ferde Grofé Collection, housed at the Library of Congress. 

Pre-concert Lecture by Gershwin scholar Ryan Bañagale, 6:30 p.m., Whittall Pavilion.

Schedule

Program 

PALMER/WILLIAMS, arr. GRAY
"Everybody Loves My Baby"

JELLY ROLL MORTON
King Porter Stomp

DANA SUESSE/CEROVICH
"You Ought to Be in Pictures"

GEORGE GERSHWIN
"Embraceable You"

JAMES REESE EUROPE/SCHULLER
Castle House Rag

GEORGE GERSHWIN
"They Can't Take That Away from Me"

GEORGE GERSHWIN 
3 Preludes for piano
Rhapsody in Blue, original version 

 

Event Resources