Repertoire

Morton Gould: American Salute
Karl Wilhelm Brandt: Konzertstück No. 2, Op. 11
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Leonard Bernstein: Facsimile, choreographic rehearsal for orchestra. Premiere of the version for band
Leonard Bernstein: Dybbuk, suite from the ballet. Premiere of the version for band

Artists

Barcelona Symphonic Band
José R. Pascual-Vilaplana, conductor
Sergei Nakariakov, trumpet

Programme

The fusion of jazz and band music will take centre stage at the opening concert. Morton Gould’s 1943 American Salute transforms a popular song from the US Civil War into a brilliant, expressive piece that engages with the audience. Karl Wilhelm Brandt’s Konzertstück, meanwhile, is part of the virtuoso tradition for trumpet and band, with a Late Romantic style designed to showcase the soloist—Sergei Nakariakov on this occasion—without losing orchestral depth.

The highlight of the concert will come with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, presented in a version for solo trumpet that highlights Nakariakov’s extraordinary musicality. This iconic work, which synthesises jazz and classical music with a natural style that would mark an entire era, brings the sights of Manhattan to life. The programme will also include the band premières of two Leonard Bernstein ballets transcribed for wind and percussion: Facsimile (1946) and Dybbuk (1974). Conductor Pascual-Vilaplana will showcase the Barcelona Symphonic Band’s rich timbre in a performance bursting with colour, rhythm and energy.