Knights present Gershwin-inspired rhapsodies at Carnegie Hall, 2024
- The Knights chamber orchestra is continuing their Rhapsody commissioning project this season at Carnegie Hall, initiated in honor of the 2024 centennial of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
- The concert features a new symphony by Michael Schachter and arrangements of classical works, all reflecting on the themes of presence and transience in music today.
- This initiative aims to engage both composers and audiences in a joyful exploration of musical rhapsody, fostering creativity and contemporary relevance.
On October 24, 2024, a contemporary chamber orchestra known as The Knights is continuing their Rhapsody commissioning project at Carnegie Hall, coinciding with the centennial of George Gershwin's iconic composition, Rhapsody in Blue. The evening features a world premiere of a new symphony by Michael Schachter, along with arrangements of works by Keith Jarrett, Gershwin, and Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, performed with pianist Aaron Diehl. Schachter’s composition, 'Being and Becoming', explores themes of existence and change, drawing on Gershwin’s legacy while reflecting on contemporary issues of music-making today amidst a digital landscape. The piece aims to connect the essence of acoustic music with the fleeting nature of the digital age. It is designed to evoke the traditional aspects of classical rhapsody while remaining relevant. The Knights have established a multi-year initiative to collaborate with various composers, inviting them to create original rhapsodies. This project is intended to celebrate the joyful and vibrant expression of art, characterized by improvisation and creativity. The future programs will feature a diverse range of works, including pieces that integrate historical and cultural narratives, as well as new collaborations. As The Knights embark on this ambitious project, there is hope for not only a fresh interpretation of the rhapsodic form but also an enriching experience for audiences, promoting a dialogue between the past and the dynamic present of music.