If there was one composer who has left an indelible print on American music it was George Gershwin. He composed it all taking Broadway by storm, selling out concert halls and defining an era.
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra conductor Bill Eddins has programmed a road trip through Gershwin’s catalogue on June 12 at the Winspear Centre.
Late Night Gershwin features symphony musicians playing the razzle-dazzle Rhapsody in Blue and the dramatic, ground-breaking Concerto in F with its Tin-Pan Alley influence.
The phenomenally gifted Eddins gets to parade his astonishing range of gifts as he plays piano and conducts high-energy and inspired pieces.
From the great virtuosic composer’s pantheon of work, jazz vocalist Chandelle Rimmer steps up to the microphone singing three charts.
Quite capable of elevating each number by way of phrasing, emoting and interpreting without re-interpreting, the St. Albert resident performs the elegant Embraceable You as well as the upbeat and playful Fascinatin’ Rhythm.
In addition, Eddins has tapped her to sing the romantic ballad, Someone to Watch Over Me, a tune that gives Rimmer a chance to open up her incredible pipes.
“The music of Gershwin is so stunning. The depth and diversity of George and Ira are some of the most stellar examples we have today and these are exemplary pieces demonstrating their breadth and depth of writing,” said Rimmer.
As head of MacEwan University’s vocal department, Rimmer is well established in jazz circles and widely known for her contemporary jazz grooves and improvised scatting. However, this is her debut performance with the symphony.
“For me it’s exciting. I consider myself privileged in that I’m involved with the cream of the crop in a high-grade project. This is work at an elite level.”
Raised in Westlock, Rimmer attended MacEwan University’s music program before graduating with a bachelors degree from Berklee College and a master’s degree from Boston University.
She is well acquainted with Gershwin’s repertoire, a multitude of compositions that span from classical to popular genres. While the vocalist enjoys the creative rush of improvisation, her symphony performance is tailored to the orchestra.
“I love the freedom of jazz, the creativity and the spontaneity. But there’s something to be said about the purity of what the composer wrote. My role feels like I’m transcending or communicating the composer’s intent.”
For jazz lovers, this promises to be a solid collection of Gershwin magic from top to bottom.
