Philharmonia Orchestra London: Gershwin & Marsalis with Nicola Benedetti

About the Event

Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of London's breathtaking Southbank Centre for the ultimate concert set to awake your understanding of classical music.

The series, 'Let Freedom Ring: Diving into America's Rich Musical Tapestry', marches forward, spotlighting three maestros whose compositions beautifully blend the grace of classical music with the rhythm and soul of jazz.

Wynton Marsalis, a name synonymous with musical excellence, boasts an impressive collection of nine Grammy Awards across both the jazz and classical spectrum. Over the years, he has dominated the musical panorama of the United States. His 2015 violin concerto, crafted especially for the virtuoso Nicola Benedetti of the Philharmonia, resonates with the poignant fiddle tunes from Scotland, Benedetti's homeland. The composition weaves African‐American spirituals, spirited marching bands, soulful blues and gospel, culminating in a rousing hootenanny. It serves as an aural tapestry of the diverse migration tales of America – sometimes touching the depths of the soul, at other times exuding exuberant joy.

'Duke Ellington's Three Black Kings', his swan song, was conceived in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., commissioned by the Dance Theater Harlem. Merging the rhythmic essence of a jazz ensemble with the grandeur of a symphony orchestra, Ellington’s piece crescendos with a gospel‐tinged tribute to the iconic civil rights figure. Yet, before reaching this climax, it delves into the legacies of two other venerable monarchs known for their faith and sagacity – Balthazar, one of the fabled Magi visiting infant Jesus, and the storied King Solomon from the Old Testament.

From Gershwin’s annals comes the groundbreaking 1935 opera, Porgy and Bess. This opera, steeped in American folk traditions, grapples with the harsh realities of racism and poverty. What makes it a historic gem is Gershwin’s insistence on it being performed solely by Black artists. The 'Symphonic Picture' tonight offers a cascade of its most poignant moments, transporting the audience through classics such as 'Bess, You Is My Woman Now', 'It Ain’t Necessarily So', and the timeless 'Summertime'.

Supported by the Philharmonia Foundation USA