Program 1: The Fascinating Rhythms of George Gershwin

Join us in Concerts & Conversation’s most popular concert celebrating one of America’s most popular and important composers, featuring both well-known and recently rediscovered works including Gershwin’s own solo transcription of Rhapsody in Blue, and pieces that were just released to the public in 1997! Find out how this electric personality transformed American music and the classical piano repertory.

Program 2: Invitation to a Dance

Come and join us in a celebration of dance pieces from the last 400 years. Take your ears on a journey through the courts of nobility, to the grand ballrooms of Vienna, and end up in the 20th century American West! (Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.)

Program 3: From Beethoven to the Blue Danube

Immerse yourself in the turbulent lives, work, and influences of some of the most prominent figures of the 19th century from the newly expressive passion of Beethoven, the rich harmonies of Brahms, and the captivating melodies of Chopin, and the legendary virtuosity of Liszt, finally topped off with a dazzling rendition of Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz!

Program 4: Debussy and Ravel: A Kaleidoscope of Sonic Sensualities

Let your ears delight in the piano music of two of the most prominent figures in French music of the late 19th and early 20th century. With favorites such as Debussy’s popular Clair de Lune and Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, experience the rich new palette of sounds and harmonies that each man painted from, influencing nearly every major composer of the twentieth century.

Program 5:  Liquid Serenades

Take a musical dip with us and indulge yourself in the waves, thundershowers, and cascading fountains of this program that centers around themes dealing with water. A nighttime swim with a water sprite, the cool spray from dancing waters, and a visit to a tropical island sends you home feeling like you went to more than just a great concert! (Towels and sunscreen not included)

Program 6: The Spellbinding Power of Ludwig van Beethoven

The life of Ludwig van Beethoven is a multifaceted tale of absolute creative genius combined with the painful limitations of physical existence and unrequited love. Included in the program is his famous “Appassionata” sonata, and a reading of his beautiful “Immortal Beloved” letter, a poignant message written to but never received by his anonymous true love.

Program 7: Virtuosity

From the earliest versions of the piano to the present, composers have written works to test the capabilities and mettle of the pianists of their time and thrill their audiences. This exciting new program takes both the solo concert and the word Challenge to a new level with some exquisite examples of virtuosity over the past 300 years.

Program 8: Stories of Love and Unrequited Love

A unique presentation that portrays pieces written about or inspired by the timeless themes of love and unrequited love in relationships both within the composers’ lives, and in various story settings in the music. Included are works by Maurice Ravel, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, and others.

Program 9: Masterpieces Outside the Box!

The newest program of the series explores how some of the most prominent composers over the last 300 years have earned their reputation by thinking ‘outside of the box’ in comparison to their contemporaries.

Program 10: Transcriptions (Pieces That Weren’t Written for Piano, But Should Have Been) 

A captivating collection of works originally written for other instruments, but rewritten later in a solo piano version by either the same composer or others. Included are virtuoso transcriptions by the giants of the 19th century Romantic period as well as well-known pieces written by prominent American composers of our century.

Program 11: The Folk Artistry of Bela Bartok

This program highlights and de-mystifies this major 20th century composer’s unique blend of folk music from his native Hungary, Rumania, and northern Africa that he incorporated into a distinctive style of western art music.

Program 12: The Best of the Best

This special edition program presents a collection of the most popular pieces in the Concerts & Conversation series to date. The program contents can be tailored each presenter’s demographics, and is suitable for both the new as well as repeat presenter of these outstanding entertainment events.