George Gershwin: An American Original

Pianist Alex Wu will help us celebrate George Gershwin's birthday (Sept. 26) with this musical journey through the composer’s life, his music and living the American dream. Born and raised at the turn of the 20th century in New York City to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, 15-year-old Gershwin started out in Tin Pan Alley, but as he gained success writing popular music for the stage, and later for Hollywood, he began to lead a double life struggling to make his mark as a serious composer. 

Alex’s thrilling performances and stories will bring to life a unique collection of Gershwin’s earlier piano pieces and Broadway hit songs as well as his serious works that include the centennial of Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris and the tour de force piano medley arrangement of Gershwin's folk opera, Porgy & Bess. Alex's much anticipated Gershwin piano solo CD is being released this fall. Join us!