Roger Williams 100th Commemorative Birthday Full Concert -Concordia Univ. Orchestra, guest Pat Boone

This concert honors the 100th birthday (October 1, 1924 – October 8, 2011) of legendary pianist Roger Williams. The Concordia University Symphony Orchestra and Choir performed Roger’s original musical arrangements, conducted by Dr. Jeff Held, featuring pianist Bryan Pezzone, and narrated by Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham. Roger was a passionate advocate for music education in schools and would have been absolutely thrilled to hear this talented university orchestra bring his music to life.

Because Roger often performed Rhapsody in Blue with symphonies and recorded it on his Gershwin album, we celebrated another milestone—the 100th anniversary of the debut of Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, with pianist Dr. Hyunjoo Choi, making this tribute especially meaningful.

Legendary entertainer Pat Boone attended the concert, and in a heartfelt finale, he joined the orchestra to perform The Impossible Dream—using Roger’s original arrangement as a touching tribute to their longtime friendship.

Concert Program:
7:47 Star Spangled Banner
Dr. Hyunjoo Choi, pianist:
11:11 Rhapsody in Blue
Bryan Pezzone, pianist:
35:28 I Got Rhythm
40:45 Someone to Watch Over Me
47:08 Autumn Leaves
56:00 Phantom of the Opera
1:03:17 Abide With Me
1:14:15 Concerto for Chopsticks
1:29:16 The Impossible Dream, with special guest star Pat Boone
For more Roger Williams https://linktr.ee/rogerwilliams.music
Learn more about Concordia University Irvine at https://www.cui.edu/arts/music
For more Pat Boone https://www.patboone.com/

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