Piano prodigy Ray Ushikubo makes local debut at W-S Symphony’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ concert

Music Director Michelle Merrill returns for her second season with the Winston-Salem Symphony with a concert series featuring dazzling pianist Ray Ushikubo, who will perform George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Merrill has programmed a stunning season opener, including Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major, and Richard Strauss’ Suite from Der Rosenkavalier. “I am eagerly awaiting the start of my second season as music director of the Winston-Salem Symphony,” said Merrill. “Last year was fulfilling because I met many concert patrons and was honored to work with our orchestra’s incredible musicians in various formats.  “This year I was able to program each concert, including beloved classics, alongside new and engaging works. That is what is so enchanting about music as an art form – it is ever-changing and evolving. New pieces are being written, but even old favorites, such as Brahms’ Second Symphony, can sound new and fresh while at the same time nostalgic and familiar.  “So, I hope you will come and experience your favorites this season and, along the way, add some new ones to your list.” The season opens on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road,, with a Sunday...