Celebrated as one of the defining musicians behind American concert music, George Gershwin and his inviting brand of jazz, opera and stage tunes have stood the test of time for almost a century. While his music has been covered by some of the world's biggest names in music — including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday — since its heyday, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are joining forces with three dynamic artists to present Gershwin's beloved songbook like you've never heard before.
Happening as part of Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Gershwin Reimagined features powerhouse British soul singer Laura Mvula (who's been compared to Nina Simone), American jazz, hip hop and spoken word artist José James, adding a distinctive tone to the mix, and composer-conductor-instrumentalist Troy Miller.
Miller, who has previously drummed for the likes of Chaka Khan, Donna Summer and Amy Winehouse and conducted both the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic, will be conducting the entire ensemble — so Gershwin's much-loved songs are in safe hands. Expect stirring strings, punchy percussion and moments of evocative pause, with classics such as 'Embraceable You', 'Someone To Watch Over Me' and 'Summertime'.
Forming part of the 2019 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Gershwin Reimagined will take place across two nights at Hamer Hall — Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased here.
Image: Tatiana Gorilovsky.