Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra Presents “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue” Featuring Pianist Jeffrey Biegel
A Celebration of American Music and Unity

Kenmore, WA — The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra (LWSO), under the baton of Julia Tai, proudly presents an exhilarating concert celebrating the richness and diversity of American music. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM, audiences are invited to the Historic Bastyr University Chapel for Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue, featuring Grammy-winning pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

This landmark performance includes three powerful works that reflect the American spirit:

• 🎹 Peter Boyer’s Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue – A bold, cinematic tribute to patriotism and unity, kicking off the third season of the Rhapsody National Initiative. LWSO is honored to be the first professional orchestra in Washington State to perform this piece.
• 🎹 George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this iconic work blends jazz and classical styles in a uniquely American voice.
• 🎶 Gershwin’s Catfish Row Symphonic Suite from Porgy & Bess – A sweeping orchestral adaptation of Gershwin’s beloved opera, rich with Southern themes and soulful melodies.

This concert also celebrates Jeffrey Biegel’s 25-year legacy of commissioning new music, with 31 projects and 126 orchestras contributing to a vibrant national repertoire.

“This program is a tribute to the many voices that shape American music,” says Executive Director Brook Rose. “It’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and the power of artistic collaboration.”

The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra (LWSO) is proud to stand at the forefront of a growing movement to reshape how communities experience professional orchestral music. As part of its mission to enrich and inspire through performance, outreach, and education, LWSO is breaking free from tradition—and stereotypes—to make live orchestral music accessible, inclusive, and unmistakably human.

Far from the image of a distant institution bound by black ties and rigid protocols, LWSO is redefining what it means to be a professional orchestra in the 21st century. Its programming champions underrepresented voices—particularly women composers and composers of color—whose works have too long been sidelined.

“We believe that orchestral music should be a living, breathing part of the community,” said Brook A. Rose, Executive Director of LWSO. “We’re committed to programming that resonates with everyday life, celebrates shared stories, and welcomes every audience member as an essential part of our musical journey.”

LWSO’s outreach efforts include sensory-friendly concerts, pop-up performances in unexpected venues, coaching high school students and engaging with our communities —all designed to expand access and engage new listeners. The orchestra also invests in initiatives that foster partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and cultural institutions to build lasting connections that reflect and elevate the richness of the region.

This season, LWSO invites the community to take part in a season that blends historical reflection with forward-looking imagination—including a moving tribute to American composers featuring Peter Boyer’s *Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue* and works by trailblazing composers whose voices continue to shape the future of classical music.

By challenging norms and championing equity, the Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra is proving that orchestral music isn’t just for some—it’s for all.