Gershwin, Gottschalk and Guest Artist Michael Lewin

Pre-print of article published in the Concord Journal on Feb 22, 2013. 

Michael Lewin

Boston played a role in the origins of the American classic Rhapsody in Blue, and a Boston-based piano virtuoso who lives in Newton will bring the piece to life in Concord on March 2 at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street. In early January 1924, George Gershwin was on a train ride from New York to Boston when the rhythmic noises of the train on steel rails helped him form the concept of Rhapsody in Blue. Internationally-acclaimed pianist Michael Lewin has made the Rhapsody an important part of his piano repertoire. He has performed it more than 50 times with orchestras around the world. Of a performance in Miami, the Miami Herald said: "The virtuoso pianist confirmed his gifts with this stellar appearance. He gave us a precise and solid interpretation of the famous work. Lewin’s execution was truly impressive in its style and energy."