Guam Symphony Society concert celebrates Gershwin

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Get caught up in the rhythm as the Guam Symphony Orchestra and Chorale along with guest soloist Ernest Ochoco, Christine Pama and pianist Elizabeth Dela Cruz perform the music of George Gershwin under the direction of Stephen Bednarzyk.

"This is a great concert and if people are kind of intimidated by classical music this is a great way to experience it for the first time lots of very familiar tunes the orchestra sounds great and its going to be a lot of fun," said Bednarzyk.

Gershwin pieces include "An American in Paris, "Porgy and Bess," and "Rhapsody in Blue" are only a few of the pieces Bednarzyk says will be featured, noting, "Gershwin is one of the most popular composers of the 20th Century American composer he writes kind of in a jazz and classical style so the program has a lot of his big hits we are going to open with a tune called strike up the band which many people recognize then embraceable you and I got rhythm which is sort of the title of the concert."

Dela Cruz, an acclaimed pianist, is taking the stage after 12 years of retirement. The last time she performed was at southern high showcasing music from Beethoven concerto one followed by a chamber music series. "I will be honest with you it's a human thing somehow every time when I go to concerts I would miss it I would miss the stage," she explained.

"I Got Rhythm - The Music of George Gershwin Concert" will have two showings at the Sandcastle in Tumon. First showing will be on Wednesday at 7pm with the matinee concert scheduled for Sunday March 23rd at 1 pm. The concert gala is $85 per ticket and includes a three-course dinner service promptly at 7 pm. The matinee concert is $20 per ticket. Tickets are on sale at Faith Bookstore in Maite.

As a special treat the symphony will also host it's second Chamber Music Series, the music of Gershwin, Mozart and Dvorakat on Friday March 21st at the UOG Fine Arts Theatre showtime is 7pm.