Like a wailing siren, the instantly recognisable opening notes of the clarinet set the scene. We’re in New York City with the jazz era spark forever captured in Gershwin’s pioneering work, Rhapsody in Blue. Audiences were mesmerised at its premiere, and in this performance the acclaimed Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi keeps the magic alive.

“Mambo!” Brazen, strident, brassy – this is the hustling, bustling New York of Bernstein’s West Side Story. Thanks to classics, such as Mambo, Maria, Somewhere and America, a whole new generation has fallen in love with this retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Hear the hits. Feel the tender ache of Tony and Maria’s first love once again.

PROGRAM PAUL BONETTI The Bright Day Clarion Calls the Quaking Earth 50 Fanfares Commission BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story IVES Central Park in the Dark GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue

ARTISTS ANDREA MOLINO conductor SIMON TEDESCHI piano

Nathan Henshaw - tenor saxophone.