Reno Phil Opens Its 57th Season with American Masters: Gershwin, Copland, and Florence Price
GRAMMY Winning Pianist Michelle Cann Brings Jazz-Infused Brilliance to Rhapsody in Blue and Price’s Rediscovered Piano Concerto
RENO, Nev (Oct 06, 2025) – The Reno Phil launches its 57th season with the Classix Series: American Masters, a celebration of musical innovation and the enduring power of American composition. Under the baton of Music Director Laura Jackson, performances will take place at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 12 at 4:00 PM.
The program brings together some of America’s most influential composers—George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Florence Price—in a concert that explores the intersection of classical form and jazz-inspired rhythm. GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann, praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer as “exquisite,” returns to Reno to perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a piece that continues to dazzle audiences more than a century after its premiere.
Cann will also perform Florence Price’s long-lost Piano Concerto in One Movement, a vibrant and soulful work that she has championed since its remarkable rediscovery. Her performances of Price’s music, including a GRAMMY-winning recording of the concerto with the New York Youth Symphony, have helped bring long-overdue recognition to the pioneering African American composer.
Bookending the concert are two beloved works by Copland: the stirring Fanfare for the Common Man and the sweeping Appalachian Spring Suite, each embodying the openness and optimism of the American spirit.
“This program captures the very heart of American music,” said Music Director Laura Jackson. “It’s full of rhythmic vitality, emotional honesty, and a sense of limitless possibility. Having Michelle Cann with us to share both Gershwin’s exuberance and Florence Price’s rediscovered genius makes this a truly special way to open our season.”
Together, Jackson and Cann bring a dynamic collaboration to the stage, one that celebrates the vibrancy of American music and the enduring power of artistic discovery. Their shared passion for connecting audiences through timeless works and new perspectives sets the tone for an inspiring season ahead.
“The start of a new season is always filled with excitement and anticipation,” said Aaron Doty, President & CEO of the Reno Phil. “This program embodies everything that makes the Reno Phil special. Extraordinary musicianship, music that speaks to the American spirit, and a commitment to celebrating voices both familiar and newly rediscovered. We’re proud to share this experience with our community as we open our 57th season.”
Event Details:
Classix Series: American Masters
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM (Doors open at 2:30 PM)
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Reno
On The Program:
Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
Florence Price: Piano Concerto (in One Movement)
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring: Suite
Tickets start at $29. Senior and military discounts available. Youth aged 26 and under qualify for a $9 youth rate (ID required). Livestream and video-on-demand options are available for those who prefer to enjoy the performance from home.
For tickets and more information, visit renophil.com or contact the Reno Phil Box Office at 775-323-6393.
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About Michelle Cann
Lauded as “a pianist of sterling artistry” by Gramophone, GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann is one of the most sought-after artists of her generation. She has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among many others. A celebrated interpreter of Florence Price’s piano works, Cann’s recent recording Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price earned her a GRAMMY Award in 2025. She holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music, where she serves as the inaugural Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies.
About Reno Phil
In its 57th season, the Reno Phil is deeply committed to uniting its community through
performance, education, and engagement programs, reaching an audience of more than 50,000 annually. Since its beginnings in 1969, the Reno Phil has been an essential thread in the city’s cultural fabric and the very foundation of Reno’s performing arts. As a resident company of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, the orchestra, led by Music Director Laura Jackson, performs a full season of concerts featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists and works by legendary and living composers. The Reno Phil keeps exceptional musical experiences at the heart of its community. To learn more about the Reno Phil and its events, and to discover all that the Reno Phil offers, visit renophil.com.