The free concert, which also features the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra in works by Wagner and Bernstein, is set for 8 p.m. at the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette.

Rhapsody in Blue became instantly popular following its premiere in a concert titled An Experiment in Modern Music on Feb. 12, 1924, in New York Citys Aeolian Hall. Gershwin was backed up by Paul Whiteman, whose dance band was one of the most popular in America at the time. Combining elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects, Rhapsody in Blue has entranced audiences ever since.

The Purdue Symphony also will perform three dance episodes from Aaron Coplands Rodeo during Saturdays concert. Though many of Coplands works incorporate traditional American folk tunes, Rodeo is unique in that it leaves them intact within the score with very little alteration on the part of the composer.

Buckaroo Holiday heavily uses the tune If Hed Be a Buckaroo to tell the story of a lone cowgirl seeking the affections of the champion roper. In Corral Nocturne, Coplands heavy use of oboe and bassoon invokes the lovesick musings of the cowgirl. Hoe-Down is based on a unique version of the American folk song Bonyparte or Bonapartes Retreat.

In its part of the program, the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra will tackle Richard Wagners Prelude to die Meistersinger and Leonard Bernsteins Symphony No. 2: Age of Anxiety, which also features Wu on piano.

Contact: Kathryn Matter, 765-496-6785, [email protected]

Purdue News Service: ( 765 ) 494-2096; [email protected]

Source: Media Newswire