For the first time, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra is venturing across the city to Moods, a venue usually associated with jazz, world music, funk, or soul. That spirit is present in this concert as well: in George Gershwin’s song suite, melodies originally composed for classical orchestra alternate with solo features from a jazz trio. Johannes von Ballestrem, Joscho Stephan, and Dimitri Monstein have been close collaborators of the orchestra for many years – seamless groove is guaranteed.
“Groove” is also a keyword that preoccupied Leonard Bernstein, who shook up the American music scene a few decades after Gershwin. In his West Side Story, he combines jazz influences with Latin American dance rhythms to create a timeless global hit.
Leonard Bernstein – Suite from West Side Story, arranged for violin and string orchestra by Paul Bateman
Kurt Weill – Song Suite, arranged by Paul Bateman
George Gershwin – Song Suite, arranged for violin, jazz trio, and string orchestra by Paul Bateman