Diventare George Gershwin

The LAC in Lugano is set to become the centrepiece of an international conference dedicated to one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th century: George Gershwin. Two days of academic discussion and music, featuring talks by experts and concerts open to the public, will explore the legacy of an artist who revolutionised the musical language of his time and whose influence continues to this day.

Some of the world’s leading scholars and performers are gathering at LAC for a conference focusing on the extraordinary figure of Gershwin (1898–1937), a composer, pianist and conductor who was able to blend different worlds: classical music, jazz and Broadway musicals. A pioneer who shaped the sound of modern America. 

The event, organised by LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and IULM University, in collaboration with Franklin University Switzerland, is the second instalment of an international project launched in September 2025 in Milan at IULM, curated by Luca Cerchiari (IULM University) and William A. Everett (University of Missouri–Kansas City and IULM), who are also co-curators of this second instalment. The programme features two days, twelve guests, and twelve presentations organised into four main thematic strands (Creative Methods, Gershwin and Film, Gershwin and Europe, Performing Gershwin), as well as two concerts open to the public. The conferences are organised as part of the Master’s in Music Publishing and Production (IULM). 

In recent years, Gershwin’s work has been the focus of new research, performances and recordings. The conference offers an opportunity to explore the richness of his catalogue: from symphonic masterpieces such as Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F, to the opera Porgy and Bess, and the famous songs and musicals that have shaped the history of Broadway. 

Through talks, discussions and live performances, scholars from Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy will engage with musicians, students and the public, creating a dynamic and multidisciplinary experience. A unique opportunity to rediscover Gershwin’s relevance and influence in music, cinema and contemporary culture. 

The papers from the ‘Diventare Gershwin’ conference will be published in a volume by Italy’s leading musicological publisher, LIM. Furthermore, the record label Alfa Music will release a CD featuring Gershwin’s music performed by the Catfish Row Ensemble, co-produced by IULM University and LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura.