Pianist, Gershwin expert to give lectures in lead up to Symphony performance

As part of its first concert of the season, the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra will feature pianist Jack Gibbons. Gibbons, a renowned pianist and George Gershwin expert, will give two public presentations in the week leading up to his performance with the orchestra at its concert "Rhapsody in Blue" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Bedell Performance Hall. The first lecture will be "Gershwin on Broadway," an overview of the life and times of the famous American composer. It will be at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in Shuck Recital Hall. The second event will be "Gershwin: Amazing Jazz Pianist" at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Shuck Recital Hall. Gibbons will demonstrate Gershwin's style at the lecture. Both presentations are free and open to the public. Tickets for the orchestra concert Oct. 12 are $19 and $16 and available by calling the River Campus box office at 651-2265 or on metrotix.com.