Pulling some strings: Grammy award-winning violinist to perform at UK
April 3, 2015
By Megan Doll
Central Kentucky classical music fans will hear Grammy Award-winning Joshua Bell perform with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Singletary Center for the Arts.
Bell’s recording of Nicholas Maw’s Violin Concerto won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance with an Orchestra in the 43rd Grammy Awards. In 2011, Arts Horizons presented Bell with the Paul Newman Award for Services to the Arts and Children.
“He’s the best,” ticketing and Marketing Manager Matt Gibson said. “At least in America, he is pretty much regarded as the best violinist of his time. Hard to beat.”
Bell, according to his website, has performed with the Indianapolis and Detroit Symphonies and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl.
This is the first time the Grammy Award-winning violinist and conductor will be on UK’s campus.
“I have never found someone who gets such universal praise as Joshua Bell for his performances and musicality,” Gibson said. “All signs point to this being a great concert.”
Bell will perform two large pieces. One is a concerto by German composer Max Bruch, which Gibson said is romantic and lyrical. The other, a piece by Camille Saint-Saens, will allow Bell to “really show the velocity of his skill and get to show off a little bit,” Gibson said.
Tickets range from $45 to $85 for UK staff and students.
Cody Putnam, a music junior and bassoonist in the UK Symphony Orchestra, said he is excited about the opportunity to play with such a renowned artist.
“It’s nuts. The fact that a student orchestra here in Kentucky can back someone of Joshua Bell’s acclaim is such a privilege,” Putnam said. “I’m not sure a whole lot of people realize how cool that is. Hopefully we’ll be able to rise to the occasion.”
