Waldbuhne Concert - American Night / Berliner Philharmoniker

Sir Simon Rattle conducts music by George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein in this concert celebration of Americana. The program features the vocal talents of Willard White in highlights from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, as well as interpretations of Rhapsody in Blue, I got Rhythm and begins with Bernstein's Candide Overture. Rattle conducted his first concert as music director of the Berliner Philharmoniker in September 2002. He was elected by the orchestra on 23 June 1999, when he was just 44, the first British conductor to hold the post. It is the latest step in a journey, which has already made an extraordinary impact on the musical world. It is a remarkable development, beginning from a very, very high point of achievement , says his colleague the conductor Bernard Haitink, he has such an open mind, and a really incredible charisma .

Berliner Philharmoniker Conducted By Sir Simon Rattle
Directed For Video by Brian Large
Soloists: Wayne Marshall - Piano, Willard White - Porgy, Cynthia Haymon - Bess, Damon Evans - Sporting Life, Cynthia Clarey - Serena, Marietta Simpson - Maria, Daniel Washington - Clown