Larry Vuckovich 3/20/10

In addition to the classic standard gems of Gershwin, Harry Warren, Kern, Ellington, Strayhorn, Larry will include the classical-influenced compositions of Rodrigo and Dvorak, arranged in his own creative jazz style. It was Antonin Dvorak, the first major European symphonic composer to recognize the richness and originality of the American Negro spiritual, who incorporated these elements in his New World Symphony. Vuckovich will perform Dvorak’s theme from Slavonic Dances #22, which he used in his original Blue Bohemia Suite. Dvorak is the first major composer to put the American Negro gospel elements on the international music map.

Larry will also perform the music of another European composer, Joaquin Rodrigo, the second movement of his Concierto de Aranjuez. Billy Strayhorn exhibited a strong French impressionistic influence, particularly in his Passion Flower and A Flower is a Lovesome Thing, which Vuckovich will perform. Besides the classic standards, Vuckovich will perform bebop gems as well as contemporary jazz material and originals, featuring Balkan- Gypsy/Roma selections. The performance will continue Larry's tradition at Piedmont Piano Co. of hosting a wine, Middle-Eastern hors d'ouvres and desserts reception to thank his many jazz supporters.

Larry Vuckovich graduated from San Francisco State University School of Creative Arts with a major in music. His principle piano teacher was the master Russian classical pianist Vladimir Brenner, who performed with Toscanini in the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Vuckovich is known for his special sensitive piano touch and for his wide-ranging solo piano repertoire.

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