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Pianist and Gershwin authority Robert Wyatt, co-editor of Oxford University Press’ The George Gershwin Reader, will present a lively program exploring the life and legacy of George Gershwin in Falmouth Academy’s Hermann Theater in the Simon Center for the Arts on August 10, 10 AM at 7 Highfield Drive. The end of the First World War signaled the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity, a goodbye to Victorian mores, and a national fascination with popular entertainment. Idols were quickly identified: John Barrymore, Fanny Brice, Babe Ruth, Mary Pickford, and, in 1924, a young man from Brooklyn, George Gershwin. During the next 17 years, his fame would grow meteorically, catapulting him to international renown before his tragic death in 1937. Gershwin is one of the giants of American music, unique in that he was both a brilliant composer of popular songs (Swanee, I Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me) and more serious music, including Rhapsody in Blue, the Concerto in F, An American in Paris, and Porgy and Bess. The program will include Wyatt’s performances of Rhapsody in Blue, early and unpublished music, piano improvisations, and other Gershwin hits. Rare film footage obtained from the Gershwin family, along with unpublished photographs of the composer and his friends will be viewed and discussed. Archival recordings of his 1932–33 radio program, Music by Gershwin, will also be featured. S’wonderful! For information on this and other community events, please visit Falmouth Academy’s website at falmouthacademy/community-events.org. Tickets are $25. Later that evening, Actress Marin Hinkle, most recently known for her portrayal of Rose on the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning television series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will speak on an actor’s journey as part of the Falmouth Academy 2019 Community Series at 7 PM in the Hermann Theater. This presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are strongly encouraged. Reserve your seat at falmouthacademy.org/FA-Community-Series. Falmouth Academy is an independent day school educating students in grades 7 through 12 from the Cape, Coast, and Islands. Located in the heart of Falmouth at 7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth Academy makes the most of its proximity to the local internationally recognized scientific community, offering mentorships, internships, and partnerships. At Falmouth Academy, students not only fit in, they stand out.