MUSIC

The Houston Symphony presents The Gershwin Songbook with John Pizzarelli.  Thursday-Saturday, April 1-3. (Sunday subscribers will attend on Thursday due to the Easter holiday).

“I Got Rhythm.” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” “Our Love Is Here To Stay.” Remember dancing to your favorite Gershwin tunes with guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli. “’S Wonderful!”

About John Pizzarelli
John Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader. He has been playing guitar since age six, following in the tradition of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. Hanging out with his father, John was exposed to great jazz music from multiple eras. Internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads, and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings, he has recently established himself as the consummate entertainer and radio program host with the launch of "Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli", a nationally syndicated radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey. John Pizzarelli has recorded as a bandleader for RCA, Chesky, Stash and Novus and in 1997 appeared in the Broadway musical Dream, a revue of Johnny Mercer songs. Along the way, Pizzarelli and his band, the Pizzarelli Trio, have earned rave reviews. Reviewers often compare them to jazz icons such as Nat "King" Cole. In addition to being a bandleader, radio personality and solo performer, John has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names and leading jazz artists. He continues to tour throughout the United States, Europe and Japan, performing classic pop, jazz and swing, while setting the standard for stylish modern jazz.

About the Gershwin Brothers
Songwriters of the Jazz Age, the Gershwin Brothers’ music is time-tested. As a team, they produced over two dozen scores for Broadway shows and Hollywood films. They were pivotal in molding the shape of musical comedy during their era and are most often recognized for their music in films and shows like Porgy and Bess, Girl Crazy, Funny Face, and Shall We Dance?. So appreciated for their contributions to American music, in 1985 they were posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

About Michael Krajewski
Known for his entertaining programs and wry sense of humor, Michael Krajewski is a much sought after conductor of symphonic pops concerts. He joined the Houston Symphony as Principal Pops Conductor at the beginning of the 2000-01 season, and also holds that position with the Jacksonville Symphony and the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. His longtime collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra expanded in March 2010 when Mike was named Principal Pops Conductor of the orchestra’s new SuperPOPS! series. Much in demand as a guest conductor with orchestras across the country, Michael has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl orchestras and has collaborated with an eclectic group of artists including flutist James Galway, mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne, pop artists Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Doc Severinsen, Al Hirt, Cab Calloway, Mary Wilson, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pink Martini and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

About the Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony has played a central role in Houston’s cultural and civic life since 1913. Each year, the Houston Symphony performs more than 170 concerts for approximately 350,000 people, featuring an innovative and broad spectrum of classical, popular, education and community-based symphonic programming. For tickets and more information regarding the 2009-10 season or the upcoming 2010-11 season, please visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.

Click here to read more about George Gershwin.

Scheduled Program:
TBD

Artists:
Michael Krajewski, conductor
John Pizzarelli, (pictured) guitar