Pianist Ian Parker, trumpeter Jens Lindeman lead bold new take on Rhapsody in Blue, March 24
Rhapsody and the Blues concert features a fresh arrangement of George Gershwin’s iconic work for piccolo trumpet, solo piano, and jazz big band
Jens Lindeman.
Kay Meek Arts Centre presents Rhapsody and the Blues on March 24 at 7:30 pm at Grosvenor Theatre
TWO CANADIAN MUSICAL heavyweights will lead a concert in West Vancouver this weekend featuring the first new arrangement of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue since the original dance band version of 1924 and the ensuing orchestral arrangement of 1942.
Written for piccolo trumpet, solo piano, and jazz big band, the arrangement makes for a completely different experience from what people might expect of the masterpiece, with even more thrilling rhythms and a whole lot of fun.
Trumpeter Jens Lindeman, a Yamaha artist who plays exclusively on 24-karat gold-plated instruments, is the first classical brass soloist to receive the Order of Canada.
Juilliard-trained Vancouver-born pianist Ian Parker is music director and principal conductor of the VAM Symphony Orchestra at the Vancouver Academy of Music and as artistic director of the Resonate chamber music series at the Kay Meek Arts Centre.
In addition to Rhapsody in Blue, the concert features music by Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, and more.
Related Articles
The rapper and singer performs at Alliance Française Vancouver’s annual Fête de la Musique, alongside Kaya Ko, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Phantom Jungle, and many other eclectic acts
At this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the two acclaimed trumpeters find unique ways of expressing the legend’s enduring influence
Marquee Series concert showcases the tenor saxophonist’s sonic innovation and Chicago roots, in homage to a true legend
Intriguing programming ranges from majestic Holst and Berlioz to a contemporary work dedicated to craft brews, plus a beachfront finale
The choir, which has shared stages with international superstars Alicia Keys and Chris Martin, closes its season with a concert titled Songs of Resilience
After a cancer diagnosis, the former CEO left the corporate world and finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing his favourite musical instrument
Joined by his ensemble, the expressive artist pairs songs off his latest album with music inspired by his involvement in a Miles Davis biopic
The festival will include the premiere of Imant Raminsh’s Where Wildness Lives, a choral work dedicated to the artistic director’s late father
Taking place at Canadian Memorial United Church, the event celebrates the strength cultivated through community
Lineup spans indie-rock band Grade School, rap artist Missy D, the Cedar & Sage Dancers, and beyond
Outdoor show on July 25, part of the larger fest, also features Big Rig and DJ Jody Glenham
Programming spans ticketed concerts, an outdoor community performance, masterclasses, and more
Marquee Series act is known for its ’70s-punk roots and ever-evolving sound
Taking place in the state-of-the-art Rock Theatre, program features the Borealis String Quartet, Juno Award–winning Gryphon Trio, and more
Otto Tausk conducts the orchestra, along with mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb and the Vancouver Bach Choir, in a symphony that has a lot of everything
Finale of the storied UBC venue’s 100th-anniversary celebrations features celebrated soprano Simone Osborne and bass-baritone Gordon Bintner
New York–based multi-instrumentalist, the child of legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, is joined by their band and the Todd Stewart Trio
Performers at the 2026 edition include Uncle Strut, Felisha and the Jazz Rejects, Art d’Ecco, Brass Camel, Rich Hope, and many more
Artists hitting Jericho Beach Park range from Denmark’s Tina Dico and Ukraine’s Yagódy to Portland’s Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin
Event’s top works from across the country and the globe leap between juggling, circus, art installation, concert, and more
Artist Jasmine Chen relearns Mandarin and discovers lost family history in multidisciplinary, personal show
Reports are emerging that the musician, composer, and pillar of the Indigenous classical community passed away in car accident after father’s funeral in Northern Alberta
Genre-spanning national and local talents take to North Shore venues in presentation by BlueShore at CapU and Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Annual celebration’s main-stage offerings open with Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte and close with Chicago’s LowDown Brass Band
Ema Nikolovska pairs with guitarist Sean Shibe, violist Timothy Ridout with pianist Federico Colli in a season that spans accordions, folk ensembles, and cellos
Guest conductor Peter Oundjian and pianist Simon Trpčeski are featured in program of works by Modest Mussorgsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and U.S. composer Joan Tower
Edmonton’s Chronos Vocal Ensemble and Calgary’s Luminous Voices add vocal power to a program that’s strong on contemporary composers
