Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): A Look at His Life and His Legacy
Philadelphia, PA – WRTI's Susan Lewis profiles the Master of Baroque! The great German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist J. S. Bach's birthday is March 21st. The Bach Festival of Philadelphia is March 30th to April 1st at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Rittenhouse Square.
Philadelphia, PA – WRTI's Susan Lewis considers George Frideric Handel's iconic 18th-century oratorio and its interpretation in dance as the Pennsylvania Ballet presents choreographer Robert Weiss' MESSIAH, set to the music of Handel. The final performances of MESSIAH, at the Academy of Music, are on March 17th.
Popular composer George Gershwin bridged the worlds of classical music and jazz. WRTI's Susan Lewis considers Gershwin and his musical legacy as The Philadelphia Orchestra gets ready to perform a program featuring his famous RHAPSODY IN BLUE, with conductor James Gaffigan and pianist Stewart Goodyear, on March 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Kimmel Center.
Concert band music has its roots in the military, dating back to the 1700s. However, over the last century, more composers have written explicitly for band and wind ensembles. WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at the continually expanding repertoire for ensembles of brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
WRTI's Susan Lewis looks at THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - a story of injustice that became the basis for a critically acclaimed Broadway musical. The show sparked controversy and earned 12 Tony nominations in 2010. A new production featuring many from the original Broadway show is now being presented by the Philadelphia Theatre Company through February 19th.
