Peter Boyer's Gershwin Centenary Work to be Performed in All 50 U.S. States

"Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue" has also been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, and will be released on the Naxos label on February 23, 2024

Composer Peter Boyer's new work Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue will receive a performance in all 50 U.S. states, by more than 50 different American orchestras. The work was composed in celebration of 100 years since the composition of George Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue.

The project has been spearheaded by pianist Jeffrey Biegel, whose "Rhapsody National Initiative" will see a performance in every state by the 2026/27 season. It is believed that this project will be the first of its kind for a new soloist-and-orchestra work by an American composer.

The 18-minute work has also recently been recorded at Abbey Road Studios by the London Symphony Orchestra, with Boyer himself conducting. The recording will be part of the Naxos label's American Classics Series and will be released on February 23, 2024.

Boyer is among the most frequently performed living American composers, with his works having received more than 700 outings by more than 250 different orchestras. His work Ellis Island: The Dream of America was nominated for a GRAMMY Award and has been performed more than 275 times.

As a conductor, Boyer has led recordings of his work with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

“I can’t wait to witness this incredible collaboration celebrating 100 years of one of the world’s most treasured compositions, Rhapsody in Blue, with my dear friend Jeffrey Biegel at the piano," said composer, pianist, and producer David Foster. "Congratulations to all involved — I will be cheering from the sidelines!”