Richard Glazier
Piano
A pianist joining the Alexandria Symphony for Gershwin's jazz-tinged Rhapsody in Blue.
In short
Richard Glazier is a pianist scheduled to appear as soloist with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. The program also includes William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1, Gabriela Ortiz's Kauyumari, and Gershwin's An American in Paris. Beyond these listed appearances, we do not have confirmed biographical details on this performer.
What to listen for
Listeners can expect Glazier to take on Rhapsody in Blue, a work built around a famous opening clarinet slide followed by a piano part that moves between bluesy, loosely swung phrases and big, romantic melodic statements. The piece asks a soloist to shift constantly between jazzy improvisatory-sounding runs and broad, singing tunes played with a full orchestral sound behind them. It sits alongside Still's Symphony No. 1, a work drawing on blues harmony and spiritual-inspired melody, and Ortiz's Kauyumari, a shorter, rhythmically vivid piece inspired by Mexican Huichol tradition. Paired with An American in Paris, the evening as a whole leans toward American concert music that borrows the energy and color of jazz and popular song.
Written by OrchestraFinder, reviewed September 2026.