If you think you have to be born American to "get" Gershwin, let me be the first to tell you it ain't necessarily so.

Last night at Meyerhoff Hall, a Russian conductor and a Turkish pianist were among the forces that helped turn the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's all-Gershwin program into one of the season's most satisfying concerts thus far - a sizzling reminder of the composer's genius and all-embracing personality.

Not that there wasn't plenty of American help onstage; a dynamic lineup of vocal soloists and the inevitably compelling Morgan State University Choir contributed mightily.

But the real surprise of the evening - other than finding so much Gershwin outside of a pops concert - was the thoroughly persuasive way BSO music director Yuri Temirkanov, treated the composer.

At last year's annual BSO gala, he led the ensemble in a pleasant account of An American in Paris; last night's performance eclipsed that previous effort in terms of coloring, mood and snap. The music glistened.

The taxi horns could have sounded less polite, the trumpet more sultry. But the playing was otherwise full of freshness, commitment and character. Things were much the same with Rhapsody in Blue.

Temirkanov found an effective balance between jazz-age cockiness and lyrical breadth, with a brilliant boost from Fazil Say at the keyboard. The soloist brought a true spark of spontaneity and risk to the Rhapsody. His phrasing was full of rhythmic fluctuations, but rarely fussy; he took a lot of time with the big tune, but avoided sentimentality. Above all, he played the heck out the work.

Again, the orchestra did impressive stuff as the conductor paid equal attention to subtle and ear-grabbing details.

The evening closed with a selection of highlights from Porgy and Bess. Temirkanov, swinging and swaying on the podium, unleashed a performance that had crackling theatrical energy and an often startling intensity of expression. The BSO responded with assured, stylish playing, providing a rich foundation for the singers to build on. And build they did.

Kishna Davis launched "Summertime" a little too forcefully, but soon had the lullaby purring, with some personal touches in the phrasing adding to the appeal.

The soprano delivered a gutsy, riveting "My Man's Gone Now" and was a positively melting partner as Bess in the love duet with Arthur Woodley's rich-toned Porgy. The baritone's incisive way with a melodic line made his every contribution count deeply. Tenor Stephen Jones put a bright, vivid spin on his solos.

Crowning the performance were the choristers from Morgan State, expertly prepared by Nathan Carter.

They offered virtuosity and vibrancy in abundance; like the soloists, they seemed to be living the music. And they sounded as if they, like Temirkanov, could never get enough of Gershwin.

Concert

What: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Where: Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St.

When: 8 tonight, 3 p.m. tomorrow

Tickets: $26 to $72

Call: 410-783-8000