Rhapsody in Blue

**RHAPSODY IN BLUE** by George Gershwin
(first original version on the centenary of the first performance)
with **PASQUALE IANNONE**, piano - **PATRIZIA CONTE**, vocal
**JAZZ STUDIO ORCHESTRA - PAOLO LEPORE**, conductor

The concert on December 19, 2024, at the Teatro Fusco in Taranto will be a special occasion to celebrate the centenary of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin, in its first original version. On stage, highly skilled artists will perform, taking the audience on a journey through virtuosity, jazz, and great emotions.

Composed in just a few days at the age of 25 and first performed on the piano by Gershwin himself on February 12, 1924, at the Aeolian Hall in New York, Rhapsody in Blue is one of his most famous works. The author himself described it as "a sort of multicolored fantasy, a musical kaleidoscope of America, with our mixture of races, our incomparable national spirit, our blues, our metropolitan madness." This extraordinary synthesis of popular and classical music represents the diverse cultures that coexisted in America during the 1920s.

In Taranto, Rhapsody in Blue will be further enhanced by the extraordinary talent of pianist Pasquale Iannone, the sensitivity and charisma of vocalist Patrizia Conte, and the mastery of the Jazz Studio Orchestra, conducted by maestro Paolo Lepore. Besides Gershwin's masterpiece, the program includes iconic pieces such as They Can’t Take That Away from Me, I Got Rhythm, The Man I Love, and the famous Summertime, performed with the unmistakable touch of Patrizia Conte.

**Pasquale Iannone**
An internationally renowned pianist, Pasquale Iannone trained at the "Piccinni" Conservatory in Bari and the Royal College of Music in London. Winner of prestigious competitions, including the "Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition," he is distinguished by his interpretative refinement and technical virtuosity. His career has led him to perform in the world's most important theaters, collaborating with prestigious orchestras and conductors. He is also an appreciated teacher and mentor for young talents.

**Patrizia Conte**
A jazz singer with great expressiveness, Patrizia Conte began her career in Taranto and then rose to national and international prominence. In Milan, she collaborated with jazz legends such as Tullio De Piscopo and Lee Konitz, gracing the stages of major jazz festivals and historical venues of the genre. With a unique voice and exceptional versatility, she has won over audiences in Italy and abroad.

**Jazz Studio Orchestra**
Founded and directed by maestro Paolo Lepore, the Jazz Studio Orchestra is one of the most renowned formations in the Italian music scene. With a history of illustrious collaborations and a repertoire ranging from jazz to classical and contemporary, the orchestra represents artistic excellence.

**Paolo Lepore**
An orchestra conductor and composer, Paolo Lepore trained under the guidance of masters like Nino Rota and Franco Ferrara. He has conducted prestigious orchestras in Italy and abroad, including the Budapest Philharmonic and the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra. Founder of numerous orchestras, he has dedicated his career to promoting orchestral and jazz music, establishing himself as one of the leading figures in the contemporary music scene.

An unmissable event that combines tradition and innovation to celebrate one of the most representative masterpieces of American music.
Web: www.amicidellamusicataranto.it