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Press Releases

'Concerto in A' by James Lee III Nods Gershwin Centennial

Resident composer for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during the 2024-25 season, James Lee III is currently composing the "Concerto in A" for Piano and Orchestra, for pianist Jeffrey Biegel, booking now for  the 2025-26-27 seasons. Dr. Lee is one of the most sought after American composers, his music consistently premiered and performed by the leading orchestras. Following in the successful line of commissioning projects created by pianist Jeffrey Biegel, 25 projects with more than 118 orchestras in the US, Canada and Europe, this is an exciting nod to Mr. Gershwin, celebrating the upcoming centennial of Gershwin's "Concerto in F". Dr. Lee cleverly chose the letter 'A' for 'America' and its cultural diversity, equity and inclusion. Here is his personal statement about his upcoming concerto:

 

"I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to compose this new work "Concerto in A" in commemoration of 'George Gershwin's Concerto in F Centennial Initiative'. I look forward to employing my musical language to craft a work that gives a nod to Gershwin's concerto in four movements.

Once the energy of the first movement concludes, the second movement commences, which will be a scherzo with a groove that is influenced by certain influences of American dances. The third movement will incorporate musical elements from the diversity of cultures that live here. This will serve as the centerpiece of the concerto and then move immediately to the last movement with visceral, colorful, and energetic passages that bring the work to an exciting and celebratory end.

I am very much looking forward to composing this new concerto and sharing it with audiences across the country. I truly hope that the concerto resonates with the listener and touches their inner soul." --- James Lee III

 

Please contact Jeffrey Biegel at biegel88@yahoo.com for details. This is a fully funded commissioning project, no co-commissioning fees required. Only music rental and performance fees for Mr. Biegel are required.

 

For more information about James Lee III:

https://www.jameslee3music.com/

 

For more information about Jeffrey Biegel:

https://www.jeffreybiegel.com/

 

Video on Dr. Lee's website:

https://www.jameslee3music.com/media

 

Videos on Jeffrey Biegel's YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@biegel88

 

Mr. Biegel/London Symphony Orchestra/Peter Boyer "Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue" promotional video:

https://youtu.be/WOsWCI589zA?si=nqIFqd9EeAxF41Be

 

Mr. Biegel/Fargo Symphony Orchestra/Christopher Zimmerman, conducting/Peter Boyer's "Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue" and Mr. Biegel's "Reflection of Justice: An Ode to Ruth Bader Ginsburg":

https://youtu.be/FOvLFd5jFHM?si=iWQ0k5ah51grD4ND