The instantly recognizable notes of Rhapsody in Blue will fill the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center this Saturday, September 8th, at 7:30 pm as the Paducah Symphony Orchestra kicks off the 2012-2013 season. George Gershwin’s iconic mixture of classical music and jazz will be performed by guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel and Artistic Director and Conductor Raffaele Ponti conducting more than 80 talented musicians.

Jeffrey Biegel is an accomplished pianist, recording artist, composer, and arranger who has performed in Boston, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Paris, and Norway. Biegel studied at The Julliard School and is also a successful composer.

Rhapsody in Blue is only the beginning of a very exciting season for the PSO. In October, the Young and Mighty concert will feature pianist Choong-won Jin and violinist Nathan Lowry, the winners of the 2012 Young Artist Concerto Competition. The PSO will celebrate the holiday season with performances in November by British violinist Pip Clarke and A Christmas Celebration in December which has sold out for two years in a row.

The month of February will include a performance of Johannes Brahms' 4th Symphony followed in March with a special guest with a surprising instrument—the harmonica—in Bach, Bernstein, and the Harmonica. The season will end in April with A Choral Finale featuring Murray State University's Concert Choir who will join forces with PSO's Adult, Youth, and Children's Choruses.

For more information on the season, check out PaducahSymphony.org, which has the most up-to-date information on all PSO programs and events. Season tickets or tickets for Rhapsody in Blue can also be ordered online or by calling the PSO office 270-444-0065.