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George Gershwin, from Broadway to Porgy and Bess

Photo : dr

Nov 26

George Gershwin, from Broadway to Porgy and Bess

Discover the complex musical landscape of George Gershwin, where infectious jazz standards meet ambitious symphonic masterworks. This talk bridges the gap between his popular Broadway hits and the profound social commentary embedded in his legendary opera.

ECUJE (Paris 10th)

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About

Experience a deep dive into the musical legacy of George Gershwin on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at ECUJE. This one-hour session, open to adults aged 18 and over, examines the composer's ability to blend jazz, Broadway standards, and classical compositions seamlessly. Hosted by Lionel Eskenazi, the lecture explores the vibrant American cultural scene of the 1920s and 1930s, alongside Gershwin’s anti-racist advocacy highlighted in his work, Porgy and Bess. Attendance requires a ticket, with full-price entry at 10:00 and a discounted rate of 5:00 available for those eligible.

With his brother Ira, he composed songs that became essential jazz standards. But his work extends far beyond Broadway. Rhapsody in Blue, the Concerto in F, An American in Paris, and Porgy and Bess bear witness to his ambition to bridge popular music, jazz, and the classical repertoire.

Lionel Eskenazi will explore these three facets of his work, while also evoking the vibrant cultural life of the United States in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as Gershwin's commitment against racism, which is particularly present in Porgy and Bess.

Our take on this event

Join us at ECUJE in the 10th arrondissement on November 26, 2026, from 18:30 to 19:30, for an insightful session dedicated to George Gershwin. Together with his brother Ira, Gershwin created timeless jazz standards while maintaining a grand ambition to unite popular music with classical traditions. Speaker Lionel Eskenazi will guide the audience through the three key dimensions of his work, covering famous pieces such as Rhapsody in Blue, the Concerto in F, and An American in Paris.

The presentation will place Gershwin's achievements within the context of the American cultural landscape during the 1920s and 1930s. Furthermore, it will address the composer's firm stance against racism, particularly as portrayed in his landmark work, Porgy and Bess. This event is intended for an audience aged 18 and up. Tickets are available at 10:00 for the full rate and 5:00 for the reduced rate.

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