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Grammy-Winning Violinist James Ehnes to Perform at Hoff-Barthelson Music School
World-renowned violinist James Ehnes and HBMS alumnus Andrew Armstrong to perform masterworks by Mozart, Bach, Ravel, Gershwin, and Beach
Hoff-Barthelson Music School is honored to present world-renowned violinist James Ehnes in recital with acclaimed pianist and HBMS alumnus Andrew Armstrong on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 7:30 pm. This performance offers a rare opportunity to experience two internationally celebrated artists in the intimate setting of a community music school.
About James Ehnes
A two-time Grammy Award winner, James Ehnes is widely recognized as one of the greatest violinists of his generation. Praised for his stunning virtuosity, expressive lyricism, and profound musical insight, Ehnes performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw, London Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His extensive discography has earned him not only Grammys but also multiple Juno and Gramophone Awards. In addition to his solo career, he is the Artistic Director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society and leader of the acclaimed Ehnes Quartet. Ehnes plays the “Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715.
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About Andrew Armstrong
Pianist Andrew Armstrong has delighted audiences across five continents, performing in major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall in London, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaw’s National Philharmonic. With a repertoire of more than 60 concertos, Armstrong has collaborated with leading orchestras worldwide. In addition to his solo and chamber work, Armstrong directs and curates several chamber music series in the U.S. and abroad. A proud alumnus of Hoff-Barthelson Music School, Armstrong is returning to his musical roots for this very special concert.
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Program Highlights
The evening’s program spans centuries and styles, offering a rich survey of the violin and piano repertoire:
Mozart – Violin Sonata No. 32 in B-flat Major, K. 454: Composed in 1784 for a celebrated performance with violinist Regina Strinasacchi before Emperor Joseph II, this sonata is both elegant and virtuosic, with a memorable opening Largo that leads into a brilliant Allegro.
Ravel – Violin Sonata No. 2: Written in the 1920s, this sonata embraces jazz influences, most notably in the sultry “Blues” second movement, and culminates in a whirlwind perpetual motion finale.
J.S. Bach – from Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: A masterpiece of Baroque counterpoint, the selected movements (“Largo” and “Allegro assai”) highlight the expressive and technical possibilities of the unaccompanied violin.
George Gershwin – Three Preludes for Piano Solo: These jazzy, rhythmic gems—by turns exuberant and lyrical—bring the spirit of 1920s America to the concert stage.
Amy Beach – Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23: A lyrical and heartfelt work from one of America’s most important early female composers, showcasing warmth and intimacy.
Henryk Wieniawski – Scherzo-Tarantelle, Op. 16: A dazzling showpiece brimming with virtuosity and rhythmic vitality, sure to bring the recital to a thrilling close.
Tickets:
- $50 General Admission
- $90 Preferred Seating
- Limited number of free tickets for HBMS students ages 10–18 Tickets are limited and available exclusively through Eventbrite.
"Hosting an artist of James Ehnes’s caliber here at Hoff-Barthelson is an extraordinary privilege, and pairing him with our distinguished alumnus Andrew Armstrong makes this recital especially meaningful,” shared Gabriella Sanna, the School’s Executive Director. “This event reflects our School’s mission to inspire excellence while welcoming all. Proceeds from the evening will directly support our growing Financial Aid Program, ensuring that every student—regardless of financial means—has access to the very best in music education," she continued.
This recital stands as both a cultural highlight and a testament to Hoff-Barthelson’s role as a leading community music school, where artistry and accessibility come together in service of the entire community.
About Hoff-Barthelson Music School
Founded in 1944, Hoff-Barthelson Music School is one of the nation’s premier community music schools. Known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, HBMS provides a comprehensive curriculum, world-class faculty, and performance opportunities that nurture a lifelong love of music.
