Collaboration

• In 1926, George Gershwin wrote the author of the novel "Porgy" to suggest that they collaborate on a musical stage production of the story. Although Heyward agreed, no contract was signed until much later.
  
  

Work Begins

• In 1933, Heyward and Gershwin signed a contract to begin work on the score for "Porgy and Bess." Gershwin wrote the score while researching in South Carolina and New York.
  
  

First Performance

• The first performance of the opera was in 1935 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This performance was only offered privately and the music was performed as a concert rather than a stage production.
  
  

World Premiere

• The world premiere of "Porgy and Bess" was performed at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. This performance took place on September 30, 1935.
  
  

European Premiere

• The European premiere of "Porgy and Bess" was performed at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark. This performance took place on March 27th, 1943.