Celebrate 100 years of “Rhapsody in Blue” with Birmingham’s Marlowe Shepherd + more top performers

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blue liquid on long stem drinking glass
ASO is bringing something very special to Birmingham. (Sara Cervera / Unsplash)

Celebrate the centennial year of Rhapsody in Blue with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) on February 10-11. Honor George Gershwin’s legacy and enjoy captivating performances by Birmingham’s Marlowe Shepherd, pianist Simon Mulligan and other highly talented guest artists, while adding a touch of fun with sparkling blue cocktails and a blue carpet for memorable photos.

Read on for details and get your tickets now.

See Rhapsody in Blue with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Rhapsody in Blue at 100: A Gershwin Celebration is a high energy show. (Alabama Symphony Orchestra)

Rhapsody in Blue made its debut on February 12, 1924. Now, almost one hundred years later, the ASO is honoring the iconic piece with two special celebration performances, February 10 and 11, featuring renowned guest artists.

Prepare to be enchanted! The ASO is adding a blue-inspired sprinkle of awesome to the night. During the event, you’re invited to:

  • Stroll a sleek blue carpet wearing your favorite blue outfit.
  • Sip on dazzling blue cocktails.

Enjoy an unforgettable night in Birmingham

334764163 1330958600800560 4947350597670619483 n Celebrate 100 years of "Rhapsody in Blue" with Birmingham's Marlowe Shepherd + more top performers
Amazing talent is coming to the stage in Birmingham. (Alabama Symphony Orchestra)

Get ready to be wowed by the stellar lineup of artists joining forces for a spectacular Gershwin celebration! It’s a musical extravaganza you won’t want to miss.

Here’s a peek at who you’ll hear on stage:

Christopher Confessore has been orchestrating musical magic as the Principal POPS Conductor of the ASO for over two decades. He’s been the driving force behind a symphony of Pops, Masterworks, Educational/Outreach and outdoor performances.

Marlowe Shepherd is a seasoned swing vocalist and guitarist, with a fan base in Birmingham and other cities, ready to create an unforgettable night of music. This special celebration of George and Ira Gershwin, accompanied by the ASO, holds a special place in his heart.

Jacqueline Mulligan, a versatile soprano, mirrors the Golden Age American singers with a modern career journey. Awarded the Emerging Artists Award in New York City, she’s graced stages nationwide, including with the Indianapolis Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Utah Festival Opera and Kentucky Center for the Arts.

The ASO is excited to welcome British pianist Simon Mulligan, a composer and pianist for Steinway, to the 100th-anniversary celebration. Mulligan is known as “the most abundantly gifted pianist” (The Times of London) and “the world’s most versatile pianist” (Steinway & Sons).

Abraham Becker, bassist, arranger, composer and music instructor, transcends conventional bassist roles. Becker has arranged numerous pop numbers featured in the show and has been working on this performance for nearly five years with Marlow Shepherd.

Rhapsody in Blue with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

performance art center
Get ready for a lively night of music in Birmingham . (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Welcome 2024 with a vibrant SuperPOPS! concert featuring lively symphonic pieces. The show kicks off with An American in Paris, followed by a dazzling second half featuring the iconic Rhapsody in Blue. Celebrate American classics like Summertime, Love is Here to Stay and A Foggy Day in London Town, along with a fantastic medley.

Sponsors of the event include: Morgan Stanley, Paragon HM Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley with support from Elton B. Stephens, Jr.

Ready to celebrate 100 years of Rhapsody in Blue with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra? Grab your tickets now.

Sponsored by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Lauren Perry
Lauren Perry
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