As concert emcee and ABC Classic broadcaster Megan Burslem explains at the start of his performance, pianist Simon Tedeschi is well renowned for his Gershwin interpretations. Funnily enough, Gershwin is his mother’s maiden name – though there’s no relation, he replies. 

While Gershwin isn’t his favourite composer (an honour reserved by Brahms), he’s up there for the pianist for his mastery of melody – there’s a vocal quality to his writing that makes his work so memorable, that makes it flow so well.

Nexas Quartet. Photo © Jacquie Manning

Nexas Quartet – a welcome OCMF staple comprising Michael Duke on soprano saxophone, Nick Russionello on alto, Nathan Henshaw on tenor and Jay Byrnes on baritone – is an ideal partner in crime for this Gershwin program. It’s appearance at this year’s festivals also comes almost a year after the release of its album of the composer’s works. 

Tedeschi warms up the stage with Sleepless Night (as arranged by Gershwin’s long-time lover, Kay Swift) before the members of Nexas join in with shining saxes...