George Gershwin was one of the most significant American composers of the 20th century, known for popular, stage and screen numbers, as well as classical compositions.

George Gershwin dropped out of school and began playing piano professionally at age 15. Within a few years, he was one of the most sought-after musicians in the United States. A composer of jazz, opera, and popular songs for stage and screen, many of his works are now standards. Gershwin died immediately following brain surgery on July 11, 1937, at the age of 38.

Gershwin was born Jacob Gershowitz on September 26, 1898, in Brooklyn, New York. The son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, Gershwin began his foray into music at age 11 when his family bought a secondhand piano for Gershwin’s older sibling, Ira. Having a natural talent, it was George Gershwin who took it up and eventually sought out mentors who could enhance his abilities. He eventually began studying with the noted piano teacher Charles Hambitzer, and apparently impressed him; in a letter to his sister, Hambitzer wrote, “I have a new pupil who will make his mark if anybody will. The boy is a genius.”

We are in discussion to engage an internationally renowned Gershwin specialist to provide the live performance for this event and will publish name/s shortly.