A journey to America in jazz rhythm. LNSO, Artūras Anusauskas, Modestas Pitrėnas

Performers: Lithuanian national symphony orchestra (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Modestas Pitrėnas) Soloist ARTŪRAS ANUSAUSKAS (piano) Conductor MODESTAS PITRĖNAS

Program: FERDE GROFÉ – "Mississippi Suite" for symphony orchestra GEORGE GERSHWIN – "Rhapsody in Blue" for piano and orchestra; symphonic fantasy "An American in Paris" LEONARD BERNSTEIN – "Three Dance Episodes" from the musical "On the Town"

One of Lithuania's most prominent jazz pianists, Artūras Anusauskas, and the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra's artistic director and principal conductor, Modestas Pitrėnas, invite you on a journey through America to the rhythm of jazz.

The concert program reflects the development and stylistic diversity of American music in the first half of the 20th century. It highlights the interaction between centuries-old European symphonic music traditions and American popular culture, especially jazz – the distinct national musical identity will be revealed through the works of three significant composers.

The program will begin with Ferde Grofé's "Mississippi Suite" for symphony orchestra – a programmatic work that uses musical means to illustrate one of America's most important symbols, the mighty Mississippi River. This will be followed by two of George Gershwin's most famous opuses. His "Rhapsody in Blue" is considered the first work to combine jazz and classical music culture, while the symphonic fantasy "An American in Paris" vividly conveys the experience of an American in the European cultural space. The concert will conclude with fragments from Leonard Bernstein's musical "On the Town," which embodies the aesthetic of Broadway musical culture.