RPO’s Gershwin Recording Hits Top Classical Billboard Chart

Rochester, NY – The newly-released Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Gershwin recording has soared to the top tier of the Classical Billboard Charts by coming in at number 21 in its Billboard debut.  The harmonia mundi usa release under RPO Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik and the Van Cliburn Award-winning pianist Jon Nakamatsu features the 1925 Piano Concerto in F, the well-known Rhapsody in Blue and the rarely-heard “Rhumba” from the Cuban Overture and is available in a special SACD (Super Audio CD) hi-resolution format. CDs are available for $20 (tax included) at the RPO box office, online at www.rpo.org, and at various summer concert locations.

On hearing the news, Jeff Tyzik responded: “When we were recording this project, I knew it was hot – Jon Nakamatsu was superb and the RPO was at its best.  I just knew it was going to be a big success.”

On Saturday, July 7, the RPO celebrates the CD with a Rhapsody in Rochester gala at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center from 5:30 to midnight. The evening will feature a concert with the RPO, Nakamatsu and vocalist Robin McKelle, as well as dinner and dancing with the Gap Mangione Trio. The event is a benefit for the RPO’s education and community outreach programs.  For more information, call the box office at (585) 454-2100 or visit www.rpo.org.

Now in its 84th season, the RPO inspires and enriches the community through the art of music.  The Orchestra is passionately dedicated to outstanding musical performance at the highest artistic levels, and has a unique tradition of musical versatility, commitment to music education in the broadest sense and a deep and enduring engagement with the community.  The RPO has been honored with the New York State Governor’s Arts Award, and two ASCAP awards for adventurous programming in recent years.

Note: A digital image of the Gershwin CD cover is available, as are photos of Jon Nakamatsu and Jeff Tyzik.