Mike Hatchard plays Rhapsody in Blue

This iconic masterpiece is now over a century old, written when George Gershwin was still in his mid-twenties. First performed before a celebrity audience at the Aeolian Hall in New York it inspired wild enthusiasm and continues to do so to this day.

Mike Hatchard confesses to a 'bit of an obsession' when it comes to Rhapsody in Blue, having now performed it hundreds of times in many venues including the Southbank, many UK Festivals and Amsterdam and Paris, determined to 'capture the excitement of its debut.' His own 'Rhapsody in Green', an homage to this legendary work, was recently performed at Hay-on-Wye and the Brighton Festival to much acclaim.

As well as being a consummate pianist Hatchard is a renowned raconteur. His concerts are legendary for their uplifting humour and atmosphere, a tradition he established with his recently-departed performing colleague of many years, Herbie Flowers.