Work of the Week – Nikolai Kapustin: Concert Rhapsody

On 5 September 2025, the new version of Nikolai Kapustin's Concert Rhapsody will be performed for the first time. Pianist Frank Dupree will be accompanied by the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra under its new principal conductor Jordan de Souza – a highlight of the summer gala evening under the open sky on Friedensplatz in Dortmund.

Nikolai Kapustin’s Concert Rhapsody, op. 25 (1976), fuses classical structure with jazz energy in a brilliant balance. Kapustin specialist Frank Dupree has created a new orchestral version, replacing the original jazz ensemble with a classical symphony orchestra, while preserving the work’s essence.

Kapustin Meets Classical Grandeur – Concert Rhapsody Reimagined

This adaptation allows orchestras without jazz sections to perform the piece, maintaining Kapustin’s signature rhythmic drive.

The new version premieres on 5 September 2025 at the Cityring Gala Concert held on Friedensplatz, Dortmund. Frank Dupree performs as pianist with the Dortmund Philharmonic under the baton of Jordan de Souza—a summer highlight under the sky.

The program pairs Kapustin’s Concert Rhapsody with Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Dvořák’s New World Symphony. The Cityring Concerts blend passion, grandeur, and city atmosphere—a summer spectacle not to be missed.

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Composer profile: Nikolai Kapustin

Work page: Concert Rhapsody

Event page Dortmunder Philharmoniker

_{Illustration: Peter Andersen / Robert Kneschke (Adobe Stock)}