With the new season underway, James Gaffigan, General Music Director of Komische Oper Berlin, lead a vibrant program last night highlighting the multifaceted influences that shape the sounds of American music through the jazz-inflected style of Duke Ellington, the genre-blending compositions of George Gershwin, and the textural storytelling of Carlos Simon.
The program opened with Simon’s The Block, a short orchestral study inspired by six paintings by artist Romare Bearden. Bearden’s work highlights the energy and joyous scenery of six different buildings located on one block in Harlem.
Gaffigan then conducted two jazz-influenced works by Gershwin—Piano Concerto in F, featuring Hélène Grimaud as soloist, and An American in Paris.
Wild applause brought the featured artist back on the stage.
Hélène Grimaud’s encore was Brahms’ Intermezzo in B flat minor, Op. 117, No. 2.
The program closed with Duke Ellington’s Harlem.
Mark Inouye, Principal Trumpet of the San Francisco Symphony and occupant of the William G. Irwin Charity Foundation Chair, was especially impressive.
“Growing up in New York City, I got to meet all sorts of people from all types of backgrounds,” said Gaffigan. “My high school was a microcosm for our country, and it was beautiful. I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience that. This program is extraordinary music all rooted in our country and its diverse people and communities.”