In February 1924, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was premiered in New York City, capturing the exuberant essence of what Gershwin called “a musical kaleidoscope of America.” 100 years later, American pianist Lara Downes reimagines Gershwin’s masterpiece to reflect on a century of immigration and transformation.

Downes has commissioned a radical new arrangement of Rhapsody In Blue by Puerto Rican composer Edmar Colón that reverberates with the multicultural, kaleidoscopic sounds of America today. Rhapsody In Blue Reimagined, a 30-minute piece featuring Downes at the piano, was recorded with the dynamic young musicians of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra.

An iconoclast and trailblazer, Lara Downes’s dynamic work as a sought-after soloist, Billboard chart-topping recording artist, radio show host, producer, curator, arts activist and advocate positions her as a cultural visionary.

Lara Downes, Pianist
Edmar Colon, Percussion & Arranger
Jeriel Sanjurjo, Percussion
John Santos, Percussion
Edwin Outwater, Conductor
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra
Great Wall Chinese Orchestra