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Celebrating Gershwin

he Artis—Naples 2023-24 season is in full swing, highlights in February include a Sypert Salon performance of
with a variety of exhibitions at The Baker Museum, works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn on February 11 and 13, a
T performances from the The Baker Museum, Lifelong Wang Chamber Music program on February 18 with romantic
Learning opportunities and even touring Broadway productions. music by Brahms and Robert and Clara
But this February stands out as Artis—Naples kicks off its season- Schumann and Principal Pops Conductor
long celebration of George Gershwin as his iconic Rhapsody in Jack Everly’s She’s Got Soul Pops program
Blue turns 100 years old on February 12. The genre-blending from February 27 to March 2.
masterwork of classical and jazz has left a legacy in the music This month also features a wide array
world. And this season, Artis—Naples celebrates Gershwin not of special guests, Celebrating Gershwin
only as a composer, but also as a multidisciplinary artist whose and beyond. The Ambassador of the Great
practice and interests blurred the lines between the realms of visual American Songbook Michael Feinstein
Naples Philharmonic
and performing arts. returns to Hayes
Principal Pops Conductor
The festivities begin at The Baker Museum, where the first Jack Everly and Hall for a revival
major museum exhibition dedicated to George Gershwin’s passion Capathia Jenkins. of his beloved
show A Tribute
for the visual arts opens on February 10. The groundbreaking
to George Gershwin on February 12. And
exhibition George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue
on February 11, Feinstein is joined by
features paintings, drawings and photographs created by Gershwin
McNeil for a moderated conversation
himself, artworks from Gershwin’s extensive modern art collection
on the George Gershwin and Modern Art
and art by leading contemporary artists that were inspired by
exhibition, wherein Feinstein—who served
Gershwin and his music. The exhibition, curated by Olivia Mattis, Michael Feinstein.
as the archivist for George Gershwin’s
Ph.D., and The Baker Museum Director and Chief Curator Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas.
brother, Ira Gershwin, for many years—
Courtney McNeil, is made possible through museum loans from discusses Gershwin and his legacy. Jodie
around the world and private collections, including from various DeSalvo continues her Piano Talks series
members of the Gershwin family. Even an original manuscript of on February 29 with All Gershwin All
Rhapsody in Blue is on display, lent from the Library of Congress. the Time. Additional performing arts
Visitors can see how Gershwin drew inspiration from visual art highlights include jazz vocalist Jane
and the ways his work has continued to inspire generations of Monheit on February 5, Miami City
artists and musicians. Ballet’s first Artis—Naples performance
The Naples Philharmonic continues the celebration with their of the season on February 6, hysterical
Masterworks performance of Rhapsody in Blue February 15 to 17, comedian Steve Solomon on February
featuring the masterpiece in both its original 6 to 7 and the sold-out Broadway show
form for piano and jazz Orli Shaham. Tina – The Tina Turner Musical from Jane Monheit
Photo by Aleks Karjaka. February 20 to 25.
band and its well-known
full symphony orchestra
version. Guest conductor Steve Solomon
David Robertson makes
his Naples Philharmonic
debut, and piano virtuosa
David Robertson. Orli Shaham joins the
Photo Credit:
Chris Lee performance as a soloist.
Other Naples Philharmonic

Tickets and additional details can be found at
ArtisNaples.org

10 Life in Naples | February 2024
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