Peter Boyer 'Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue' Makes South Dakota Premiere

Next stop on the 50 state Rhapsody National Initiative tour will feature one of the fine university orchestras in the US. Music Director Christopher Stanichar will conduct the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony in the South Dakota premiere of Peter Boyer's "Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue" on March 1 at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Pianist Jeffrey Biegel created the 50 state project concept in October 2000, with Charles Strouse's "Concerto America", the first 50 state project allowing orchestras to join the roster without cost toward the composer's fee. The tragic events of 9-11-2001 ceased this effort, however, two orchestras performed the new work with Mr. Biegel as soloist in 2002. During the silence of Covid, Mr. Biegel resurrected the idea and created the first 50 state project without buy-ins for orchestras to be part of a National consortum of orchestras - ranging from summer academy orchestra, to youth orchestras, university, community and professional orchestras. Donors from the private sector and the Billy Rose Foundation supported the creation of the musical work, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra recording released on the Naxos label at the time of the centennial of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue". The Gershwin 'Rhapsody centennial' served as the first bookend for the project, and will conclude in the 2026-27 season with the second bookend titled 'America at 250'. Orchestras throughout the country can continue to join the Rhapsody National Initiative as member orchestras representing their state(s), and will be listed in the National roster of orchestras in every Conductor Score in perpetuity.

The video trailer from the recording sessions with the London Symphony Orchestra. Orchestra representatives and conductors can contact Mr. Biegel for more information at his website www.jeffreybiegel.com