Classical music will get a jazz makeover when the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra brings its free summer concert series to Northern Kentucky parks next month.
The orchestra’s latest program, “The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Swings the Classics,” features a regional all-star big band performing jazz-inspired arrangements of famous classical works. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in Devou Park and continues at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Tower Park in Fort Thomas.
Music Director James Cassidy said the program builds on the KSO’s long history of exploring a wide range of jazz styles, from early ragtime and blues to Latin jazz, swing and contemporary jazz.
“Greater Cincinnati is home to stellar jazz musicians,” Cassidy said. “The opportunity to dig into great jazz that is never to seldom performed becomes fun and engaging for both the audience and the performers.”
The concert will feature jazz arrangements of well-known classical compositions, including C.P.E. Bach’s “Solfeggio in C Minor,” Gustav Holst’s “Mars from The Planets,” and works by Antonín Dvořák, Georges Bizet, Giuseppe Verdi and Johannes Brahms. After intermission, the program continues with modern big band interpretations of music by J.S. Bach, Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
The performances are part of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s 32nd annual free Summer Series. Concertgoers can register for weather updates and prize drawings by clicking here or by calling (859) 431-6216.