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Joshua Bell, one of the most celebrated violinists of his generation and renowned for his passion, restless curiosity and multifaceted musical interests, will collaborate with pianist Alessio Bax for a recital in April. The recital will also launch the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's (LCSD) "Great Music 2016" series.
The not-to-be-missed recital will be held at 8pm on April 17 (Sunday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The programme will include Vitali's "Chaconne in G Minor", Beethoven's "Violin Sonata No. 9 in A" and Ravel's "Violin Sonata No. 2 in G". Other works will be announced by Bell during the performance.
Bell received his first violin from his parents at the age of four. By twelve, he was serious about the instrument, thanks in large part to the inspiration of Josef Gingold, his beloved teacher and mentor. Two years later, Bell came to national attention in the United States in his debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. His Carnegie Hall debut, an Avery Fisher Career Grant and a notable recording contract further confirmed his virtuosity. Bell is now acclaimed as "one of the most engaging violinists today" by The New York Times.
Bell was named the music director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in 2011, becoming the first person to hold this post since Sir Neville Marriner formed the orchestra in 1958.
Bell has recorded more than 40 CDs, garnering Grammy, Mercury, Gramophone and Echo Klassik awards. He has also performed for three US Presidents as well as the President of the People's Republic of China. Bell has received many accolades, including the Paul Newman Award (2011), Instrumentalist of the Year by Musical America (2010) and the Academy of Achievement Award (2008).
Alessio Bax, the first prize winner at the Leeds and Hamamatsu international piano competitions, is a 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient. He has appeared as soloist with more than 100 orchestras worldwide, including the London Philharmonic, the St Petersburg Philharmonic under Yuri Temirkanov, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Simon Rattle.
Tickets for "Encore Series: Violin Recital by Joshua Bell" priced at $250, $350, $450, $550 and $650 will be available from March 8 onwards at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card booking, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/program_1076.html .
Other highlights of "Great Music 2016", tickets for which will also go on sale on March 8, include "The Philadelphia Orchestra" (May 19 and 20), "Piano Recital by Arcadi Volodos" (July 26) and "Violin Recital by Julia Fischer" (October 22). The series also includes other attractive music events. Details will be announced later on the LCSD website.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:56
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