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Blue Centennial: Celebrating a Century of Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody'

For the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s 

, Valerie Kahler delves into the fascinating history of this great work and shares an array of performers who interpreted it. They include the original Paul Whiteman-led performance with Gershwin at the piano, Leonard Bernstein performing, Bela Fleck on banjo with a bluegrass band, and a reimagined performance by pianist Lara Downes.

This special airs on YourClassical MPR at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, on the anniversary of the work’s premiere at Aeolian Hall in New York City in 1924. Or listen now using the player above.

Valerie Kahler grew up in a musical family and started playing cello and piano in 3rd grade.  She began her radio career in 1989 as a volunteer at KNAU (now Arizona Public Radio) in Flagstaff, Arizona.  She worked there as a classical host and music director for more than a decade before moving to Minnesota to work for MPR.   In addition to classical music, other passions include sewing, singing and cooking.  She shares her life with her partner, John, an artist.


Valerie Kahler

For the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ Valerie Kahler delves into the fascinating history of this great work and shares an array of performers who interpreted it. Listen now to 'Blue Centennial': Celebrating a Century of Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody'!


'Blue Centennial': Celebrating a Century of Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody'

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