Celebrated grammy award-winning violinist Joshua Bell returns to perform with SLSO

Bell to perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in program conducted by Michael Francis that also includes Elgar’s In the South (Alassio) and Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony (Symphony No. 2) Nov. 23rd-25th

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Continuing a relationship that has spanned more than 35 years, Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell performs with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Nov. 23rd-25th.

Bell, one of the best-known violinists in the world, has been described as “formidably powerful” (Gramophone) and a “lithe virtuoso” (Los Angeles Times). Bell has performed with the SLSO 12 times since his debut with the orchestra at Powell Hall on February 12, 1983. He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the SLSO in 1985 when he was just 17 and has also performed on three SLSO tours.

Joshua Bell, violinist/SLSO

While Bell is a frequent SLSO collaborator, conductor Michael Francis makes his SLSO debut. Francis, the Music Director of the Florida Symphony in Tampa, is one of five conductors making their first visit to St. Louis during the SLSO’s 139th season, titled “From Our Family to Yours.”

On Nov. 23rd-25th, Bell performs Bruch’s Violin Concerto. Admired for the melody of the second movement and dance-like energy of the third, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 continues to be one of the most prolific pieces for solo violin.

The concert opens with Elgar’s programmatic overture In the South (Alassio), which depicts the history and scenery surrounding an Italian town. Vaughan Williams’ evocative A London Symphony, inspired by locations in and around London, closes the concert.

Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, 8:00 pm
Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, 8:00 pm
Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, 3:00 pm
Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, Mo.

Michael Fancis, conductor
Joshua Bell, violin

ELGAR In the South (Alassio)
BRUCH Violin Concerto No. 1
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS A London Symphony (Symphony No. 2)

Audiences can attend the free Pre-Concert Conversation at 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday and 2:00 pm Sunday in the auditorium.

Tune in to St. Louis Public Radio on Saturday, Nov. 24th at 8:00 pm for the live broadcast of the performance. During the intermission, broadcast host Robert Peterson will interview Bell and Francis. Listen on air (90.7 FM KWMU) or online.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at www.slso.org or by calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700.

The 18/19 SLSO Classical Season is presented by World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation and runs through May 12, 2019.

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