George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are two of America’s most famous composers. The Sequoia Symphony features music by both of these talented musicians in its concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Visalia Fox Theatre. Two of the pieces were themes in iconic films.
“On the Waterfront” is famous for Marlon Brando’s line, “I coulda been a contender.” But the score by Bernstein, the only music he wrote specifically for a movie, is considered among the most distinctive in Hollywood history. Unlike most film scores of the 1950s, it conveys the essence of the drama, with themes for each main character.
“An American in Paris” starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1951. It was filled with music by Gershwin, including the title piece, a jazz rendering evoking the sights and energy of Paris in the 20s.
Guest pianist Andrew Tyson returns to perform Gershwin’s “Concerto in F,” an easy mingling of Charleston, blues, barrelhouse and ragtime put together with the composer’s usual high energy.
Tickets are available at www.sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com , 559 732-8600 or at the door. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., but concert-goers are invited to attend music director Bruce Kiesling’s always entertaining pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.