Reynolds Auditorium

Presents

Rhapsody in Blue

with

Ray Ushikubo

and the Winston-Salem Symphony

Brahms’ Second Symphony, known for its sunny disposition and pastoral charm, sets the stage with its lyrical melodies and lush orchestration. Echoing this bright cheer, excerpts from Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier evoke the elegance and romance of Viennese waltzes, captivating audiences with their sumptuous melodies and rich orchestral colors. Between, dazzling pianist Ray Ushikubo then takes center stage with Gershwin’s jazz- infused masterpiece, effortlessly blending classical refinement with the exuberance of American jazz, showcasing his virtuosity and versatility on the piano. Together, these works illuminate the concert hall with a kaleidoscope of emotions and musical brilliance, offering a captivating journey through 19th-century elegance and 20th-century innovation.

Ray Ushikubo, piano

Known for his “disciplined focus and clarity… and marvelous dynamic nuance” (Arts Knoxville), Ray Ushikubo is a twenty-three-year-old Japanese-American pianist and violinist who has performed on the stages of Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Pre-Concert Talk

Saturday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 2:00 PM

All audience members are invited to join us in the Judy Voss Jones Fine Arts Center, directly behind Reynolds Auditorium on its west side, for a lively discussion about the music and surrounding context. Local musicologist Dr. Kate Storhoff is your guide—pre-concert talks are free to attend, and occur one hour before any Classics Series concert.

Visit the Winston-Salem Symphony website for information and tickets.