La. Philharmonic going out in style

NEW ORLEANS, May 10 (UPI) -- The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is ending its 36-week season with a pair of concerts aimed at style and difficulty, its music directors says.

LPO Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto said the orchestra's jazzy side would be showcased through a performance of composer George Gershwin's works, and its musical ability would come through with a difficult performance of Gustav Mahler's "Resurrection Symphony," The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Saturday.

"Could we have come up with programs that were more different than these? I don't think so," Prieto said. "This is a chance to see the range of this orchestra -- and the range of the classical repertoire."

The young conductor said the orchestra's all-Gershwin show, which debuted Friday night, would invoke the talents of the noted U.S. composer as well as the abilities of each orchestra member.

"Our Gershwin show is like a 'greatest hits' compilation," Prieto told the newspaper. "This is music that every American orchestra has in its blood -- and that most of us have in our heads. You hear Gershwin's melodies in all kinds of settings -- from jazz clubs to commercials -- but this is a chance to hear Gershwin whole."