The music of composer George Gershwin will be celebrated in high style during a concert at the Etherredge Center on Saturday, April 27.
Baritone Robert Sims and soprano Louise Toppin, accompanied by a piano, will present “Gershwin on Broadway” as a part of the Etherredge Center Cultural Series. Their program will be complete with classics like “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” “Lady Be Good” and “Strike Up the Band.”
George Gershwin and his lyricist brother Ira were the songwriting team whose voice emulated the sounds of the Jazz Age. During the 1920s and ’30s, the brothers composed dozens of scores for Broadway and Hollywood including their opera "Porgy and Bess."
Their music has continued in popularity after their death, being featured in musicals such as "An American in Paris" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It." George Gershwin also attained success as a piano virtuoso, conductor and composer in the concert arena, and was the author of works such as "Rhapsody in Blue" and the "Concerto in F."
Toppin, finalist in the Munich International Competition and winner of the Metropolitan Opera regional auditions, has received critical acclaim for her operatic, orchestral and oratorio performances in the United States and around the world in countries like Sweden and England. She has appeared in concerts held at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, Licieu Theatre in Barcelona, and the International Albeniz Festival in Camprodon, Spain.
Sims, gold medal winner of the American Traditions Competition, has been hailed by critics for his rich tone, energetic performances and convincing stage presence. Robert has toured extensively throughout the United States, Germany, Austria and Switzerland as a featured soloist. He is the recipient of the Living Heritage Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and the Friends of Negro Spirituals Heritage Keeper’s Award.
In addition to their performance of Gershwin on Broadway that night, Toppin and Sims will also host a masterclass for USCA music students Saturday morning.
Doors for the Saturday, April 27, performance will open at 7 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors/military/USCA staff, and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredgecenter.universitytickets.com.
The Etherredge Center is located at 340 Scholar Loop.
