American Masters - Gershwin

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra has announced the 2008-2009 Connections Series, whose program this year focuses on music of the three 20th century “American Masters” - George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein. With musical selections performed by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and lively, interactive discussions led by Music Director Edward Cumming and − new this year − provocative WTIC-AM radio host and Hartford Courant columnist Colin McEnroe, Connecticut audiences will discover new ways to hear these American masters.

A well-known Connecticut personality, Colin McEnroe is an opinionated radio talk show host, columnist, author, social commentator, and playwright. Colin hosts a weekday afternoon drive talk show on WTIC-AM, the largest radio station in Connecticut. Colin has appeared in the Hartford Courant for over 20 years as a reporter and columnist. In addition, his columns have appeared in hundreds of newspapers across America and abroad, including Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Family Fun and Metropolitan Home.

“It's a thrill for me to work with this orchestra,” says McEnroe. “I'm always bowled over by the talent of the musicians, and these are three composers I love. It will be my job to keep the evening playful and to open up new lines of conversation between the performers and the audience. I’m not quite sure what my exact role in these discussions will be…Look, I promise not to break any cellos, OK?"

Hartford Symphony Music Director Edward Cumming comments, “Everyone loves Rhapsody in Blue, Appalachian Spring and West Side Story, but in devoting one program each to the music of Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein, we can explore other sides of these three beloved American composers that may not be known to our audiences. And with Colin McEnroe there asking questions many of us have been afraid to ask, these musical evenings will have an air of unpredictability and excitement unlike anything else we've ever seen or heard before. I can hardly wait."

This program showcases Gershwin’s blend of jazz and classical with Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, Overture to Girl Crazy, Overture to Of Thee I Sing, and Rhumba from Cuban Overture.

THREE-CONCERT SUBSCRIPTIONS for the 2008-2009 Connections Series range in price from $60 to $90 and are available in person at Hartford Symphony Orchestra Ticket Services, 99 Pratt Street, Suite 500 in Hartford, Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (860) 244-2999. SINGLE TICKETS for all of the concerts of the 2008-2009 season will go on sale Friday, August 1, 2008.

To request an INTERVIEW with Music Director Edward Cumming or Colin McEnroe, please contact Andrew R. Chatfield at 860.246.8742 ext. 302. Interviews will be arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.