VIDEO: Kirill Gerstein's "Rhapsody in Blue"

Watch Kirill Gerstein ’96 perform the original 1924 jazz band version of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," as commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman, with a 25-piece ensemble that includes Berklee faculty and an eight-piece student string section. While audiences are familiar with the 1942 version for large orchestra, the 1924 arrangement is not often heard.

The “Rhapsody in Blue” performance was part of a Berklee Signature Series concert entitled An Evening with Kirill Gerstein: Rhaposdy in Blue, with guests Gary Burton, Anat Cohen, Eugene Friesen, and Phil Wilson. In addition to Gershwin’s work, Gerstein presented the world premiere of new works by Chick Corea and Brad Mehldau, commissioned as part of his 2010 Gilmore Artist Award.