A spectator reacts to Aldo’s performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in Florida.

Good morning Mr. Gavilan,

I am writing to you because on Saturday, January 5, 2019, I attended a concert with the Florida Orchestra in Saint Petersburg Florida. George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was featured and because I am very much an obsessed admirer of Mr. Gershwin and his music, I never miss a live performance if I can attend.

I own probably more than 40 recorded versions of Rhapsody in Blue and I have attended dozens of live concerts where the piece was featured. I also was able to play a reasonable facsimile of it in my younger piano playing days.

But I can tell you without hesitation that your interpretation on that Jan. 4 concert was for me the absolute number one I have ever heard. I fully understand that Gershwin is a very unique composer who still to this day is not easy to categorize especially when it comes to his more extended compositions. However, more often than not, musicians and orchestras tend to toss off those pieces as mere Broadway based entertainment. But your performance (and the orchestra’s) was a true very serious interpretation of the piece. Even your personal “cadenza” was of the utmost taste and respect.

In other words I was totally enchanted and came out of that concert with only two wishes: that somehow your interpretation could be made available on CD and that someday we may have the pleasure of hearing your interpretation of Gershwin’s Concerto in F.

Your talent is truly amazing and I can only wish you continued success and thank you for that marvelous concert!

Best regards,

Michel (Mike) LeBlanc