Bay Philharmonic closes its 2025-26 season with America in Rhythm & Rhapsody on Sunday,
June 21 at 3:00 PM at Chabot College in Hayward, a special Father’s Day celebration honoring
the vibrant cultures, rhythms, and musical traditions of the Americas. Audiences are invited to
make the concert part of their Father’s Day festivities while also celebrating 250 years of the
spirit and legacy of our nation’s founding fathers through an afternoon of inspiring American
music. The concert will feature guest conductor Dr. Jane K. Brown and acclaimed pianist Allegra
Chapman in a program filled with energy, passion, and musical storytelling.
A centerpiece of the afternoon will be George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, featuring
Allegra Chapman as piano soloist. Since its 1924 premiere, Rhapsody in Blue has become one of
America’s most beloved and recognizable orchestral works, celebrated for its fusion of classical
music and jazz.
The concert will also feature beloved orchestral favorites such as Aaron Copland’s spirited Hoe
Down, the majestic Fanfare for the Common Man, Dvořák’s enduring New World Symphony and José Pablo Moncayo’s electrifying
Huapango, often regarded as Mexico’s second national anthem. Together, these works
celebrate themes of identity, resilience, community, and joy through sweeping melodies and
vibrant rhythms.
“This concert reflects the power of music to bring people together across cultures and
generations,” said Dr. Francis Rojas, Executive Director of Bay Philharmonic.
“Father’s Day is about celebrating those who inspire and guide us, and this program also reminds us of the
enduring ideals and cultural spirit that continue to shape our nation after 250 years. We are
thrilled to welcome Dr. Brown and Allegra Chapman for what promises to be an unforgettable
afternoon."