George in Paris

With this composition, I aimed to pay homage to George Gershwin, not by borrowing one of his works or even directly imitating his style, but rather by capturing his spirit, his freedom, his audacity, and his unique story.

You'll undoubtedly find numerous musical and stylistic references, the first movement is most notably inspired by the blues of 'Porgy and Bess.'

Through 'George in Paris,' I sought to recount Gershwin's journey to Paris in the mid-1920s, where he temporarily settled and collaborated with Nadia Boulanger among others. I've imagined his strolls through the city. It was during this period that he composed 'An American in Paris,' which he later premiered at Carnegie Hall in December 1928. Interestingly, Boulanger refused to teach him composition, believing it might 'damage' the composer's originality. She didn't want to confine him to an academic framework that would have been more restrictive than beneficial.

I feel a deep connection to this composer, as he provides me with a kind of guiding principle for pursuing my passion for music.

Thank you, George.