"I think my favorite part of the piece is that it gives me things to do at the piano that I don't often get to do," says classical pianist Aaron Kurz, describing what it's like to play George Gershwin's famed "Rhapsody in Blue." Aaron will be performing the original version of the work (orchestrated by Ferde Grofe) in a concert with the Lone Star Wind Orchestra at the Eisemann Center in Richardson on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 in a program that includes Ticheli's "Blue Shades" and Giroux's "Blue Marble."

Classical 101.1 WRR Focus on the Arts: Aaron Kurz and Gershwin like you've never heard before

"This suite is for very large orchestra – which all the orchestras for the Ballet Russes were – and you’ll see that on the stage with us," says Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Music Director and Conductor of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, describing Ravel's whirling Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2. The RSO will perform the work as part of their French-flavored opening night, which includes famed violinist Lara St. John as soloist in works by Ravel and Chausson. In this feature, WRR's Amy Bishop gets details on what else to expect in this thrilling opening night with the RSO.

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: A French-flavored season opener with the Richardson Symphony

"Anybody who likes 'The Nutcracker' is going to see a lot of elements in it... this is a darker rendition of those elements," says Geoff Henley, author and producer of 'Nightmare Before Nutcracker,' a new ballet premiering in Richardson. In this feature, he chats with WRR's Amy Bishop about the unique story of a ballerina coming to terms with life's travails, all set to an eclectic music score of old and new tunes.

New tracks tagged #Eisemann Center