Reflections on George Gershwin and Modern Art

Lecture

The Baker Museum presents
Reflections on George Gershwin and Modern Art
A conversation with Michael Feinstein

Michael Feinstein, lecturer
Courtney McNeil, host

Early in his career, renowned performer Michael Feinstein spent six years working as an archivist for Ira Gershwin, and later became a close friend of the iconic lyricist. Feinstein would go on to become one of the most highly regarded interpreters of the music of George and Ira Gershwin, and published his insights into the Gershwins and their legacy in the 2012 book The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs. In conjunction with the landmark exhibition George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue, Feinstein joins The Baker Museum Director and Chief Curator Courtney McNeil for a conversation about the Gershwins and their legacy.

This presentation is part of the exhibition George Gershwin and Modern Art.

Free Admission to The Baker Museum
All exhibition lecture tickets include free same-day admission to The Baker Museum.

Michael Feinstein

Michael Feinstein

A naturally gifted pianist and singer, Michael Feinstein was just 20 years old when he was hired by Ira Gershwin as an archivist for the lyricist’s phonograph records collection. What started off as a simple job led to years of Feinstein pouring through unpublished sheet music and rare recordings belonging to Ira and his late brother, George Gershwin. This impactful experience with the Gershwin family influenced the course of Feinstein’s life; he achieved great success as a singer of Great American Songbook music, and he is most well-known for his recordings and performances of classic Gershwin songs.

Courtney McNeil

Courtney McNeil

Courtney McNeil is director and chief curator of The Baker Museum, a position she has held since 2021.

  Meet Courtney

Program Book

Program Book

View this month's program book to get general information about Artis—Naples and to read articles about this month’s activities.

  Program Book