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Gershwin: Porgy and Bess

London Concert Choir

,Barbican Hall
Composite image of Francesca Chiejina and Rodney Earl Clarke

London Concert Choir bring a concert version of George and Ira Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life, with its infectious fusion of opera, jazz, gospel, blues and spirituals.

Soloists Rodney Earl Clarke and Francesca Chiejina sing the title roles, in this arrangement of the folk opera that features all its best-loved songs, including ‘Summertime’, ‘Oh I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’, ‘Bess, You Is My Woman Now’ and ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’. But first, hear the energetic overture to the hit musical Girl Crazy, which launched the careers of Ginger Rogers and Ethel Merman, showcasing recognisable snippets including ‘Embraceable You’ and ‘I Got Rhythm’. A selection of Copland’s spirited Old American Songs is the perfect pairing to Gershwin.

London Concert Choir and Canticum perform the pivotal role of the chorus in Porgy and Bess, under the baton of Mark Forkgen and accompanied by Southbank Sinfonia, internationally recognised as a leading orchestral academy for young graduate professional musicians from across the world.

Tagged with: Classical music

This performance will finish at approximately 9.30pm, including a 20-minute interval

Promoted by London Concert Choir

Programme

  • George Gershwin   Overture to Girl Crazy
  • Aaron Copland   A selection of Old American Songs
  • George Gershwin   Porgy and Bess (arr Andrew Litton)

Performers

  • Southbank Sinfonia  
  • Mark Forkgen   conductor
  • Rodney Earl Clarke   Porgy
  • Francesca Chiejina   Bess
  • Gweneth Ann Rand   Serena
  • Ronald Samm   Sportin’ Life
  • London Concert Choir  
  • Canticum  

Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.