Violinist Joshua Bell coming to UGA's Performing Arts Center

By Bobby Tyler

The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center will present violinist Joshua Bell Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall.

An Avery Fisher Prize recipient, Bell received the New York Recording Academy Honors in June. He was recently appointed music director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the first person to hold the title since Sir Neville Marriner formed the orchestra in 1958. The Academy’s first recording under Bell’s leadership of Beethoven’s Fourth and Seventh Symphonies debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical chart. 

He has recorded more than 40 CDs, garnering Mercury, Grammy, Gramophone and Echo Klassik awards. His 2004 release, “Romance of the Violin,” was picked by Billboard as Classical CD of the Year and Bell was named Classical Artist of the Year. He was also featured on the Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film, “The Red Violin.” 

Born in Bloomington, Ind., Bell received his first violin at the age of 4 and at 12 began studying at Indiana University. Two years later he came to national attention in his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra. At age 17, he debuted at Carnegie Hall. Bell’s career has now spanned more than 30 years as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and conductor. He performs on the 1713 Huberman Stradivarius.

Bell’s Athens recital will include Bach’s “Chaconne” from Partita No. 2, Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 10 and Stravinsky’s “Divertimento” with additional works to be announced from the stage. He will be accompanied by award-winning British pianist Sam Haywood.

The recital is scheduled to be recorded for broadcast on American Public Media’s Performance Today, heard by over 1.3 million listeners across the country.

Tickets for Joshua Bell’s recital are $49-$69 with discounts for UGA students. Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center box office, online here or by calling 706-542-4400 or toll free at 888-289-8497.

The media sponsor for this performance is WUGA 91.7/97.9 FM.