LACO Presents Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Featuring Celebrated Pianist Hye-Jin Kim at Alex Theatre

Gershwin’s distinctive and instantly recognizable Rhapsody in Blue, featuring noted South Korean pianist Hye-Jin Kim, is the centerpiece of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s upcoming program led by Music Director Jaime Martín on Saturday, April 1, 8 pm, at Glendale’s Alex Theatre, and Sunday, April 2, 2023, 7 pm, at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Kim, praised for her “passionate, polished and expressive” performances” (Florida Weekly), interprets the original 1924 version of Gershwin’s Jazz Age masterpiece that integrates elements of classical music with jazz rhythms. Martín also conducts symphonic gems from the romantic and modern eras, including Schoenberg’s lush and melodious Chamber Symphony No. 2, and the Adagietto from Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, considered one of his most popular works. Mendelssohn’s majestic Symphony No. 5 in D major, "Reformation,” caps the program.

Kim, who is on the piano faculty at Colburn School, is one of South Korea’s top classical stars. She is known for her musical sensitivity and deeply engaging performances that transport audiences beyond mere technical virtuosity. She first attracted international attention at age 17 when, as its youngest participant, she won third prize in Italy’s prestigious Busoni Competition. Kim also received prizes at the 2008 Hong Kong International Piano Competition, DAAD Prize, Steinway and Sons Advancement Award Competition, and Toronto International Piano Competition. She has performed and toured with numerous orchestras, including the Russian State Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Praha Broadcast and Budapest Symphony Orchestras, the State Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg, and Nürnberger Symphoniker. Kim made her major label debut with her recording of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerts Nos. 1 and 2 with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra led by Eduard Topchjan on Sony Classical in 2013 and her Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2016. 

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue is made possible, in part, from a generous contribution from Hilda Hererra Adler. The appearance of Hye-Jin Kim is made possible, in part, with support from Dr. Hervey + Doris Segall.

Royce Hall is located at 340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095. The Alex Theatre is located at 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203. For tickets ($32 - $142) and information, please visit www.laco.org or call 213 221 3920.