“The Genius of George Gershwin” will be presented by cultural historian Bruce Hambro at the Walpole Public Library, 143 School Street, on Tuesday evening, January 22, at 7:00. All the important songs of Gershwin and his brother, Ira, as well as George’s classical music, will be covered by audio and movie clips, rare photos, and sing-alongs. Sponsored by the Friends of the Walpole Public Library, all are welcome and there is no charge to attend. More details are available at www.walpolelibraryfriends.org.
George Gershwin wrote countless scores for hit Broadway and Hollywood musicals during the early 1900s. With his lyricist brother, Ira Gershwin, George wrote a catalogue of songs that have been embedded in the consciousness of millions of Americans for generations. Additionally, the Gershwins wrote the first “American Opera,” "Porgy and Bess." Added to this magnificent popular song output was George’s composition of the symphonic "Rhapsody in Blue," which has been hailed as the most transformative classical/jazz opus of the 20th century.
Mr. Hambro’s one-hour presentation includes’ recordings of such great George Gershwin standards as "I Got Rhythm," "Embraceable You," "They Can’t Take That Away from Me," and "Someone to Watch Over Me," sung by the likes of Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, and Ella Fitzgerald. Additionally, audiences will be treated to video footage of performances of key parts of "An American in Paris," "Concerto in F," and "Rhapsody in Blue."
Bruce Hambro was formerly a business manager and booking agent in the music and film industries, but he has more recently been a teacher in the Massachusetts public school system. Currently, Bruce presents audio-visual lectures at senior centers and senior living communities throughout Eastern New England. His series of presentations include one-hour programs about legendary singers and composers of the “Great American Songbook,” such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Barbra Streisand. Mr. Hambro has been featured on M.I.T.’s WMBR-FM radio station, as well as on the Town of Needham Cable News Channel.
