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Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical join forces to bring Joshua Bell to E.J. Thomas Hall

joshua-bell.jpg
joshua-bell.jpg

March 11, 2014

On Friday, November 7, 2014, the Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical Association will co-present its first collaborative concert, featuring violinist Joshua Bell performing with the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Christopher Wilkins, Music Director of the Akron Symphony, will conduct the orchestra in a program that includes Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 and Glinka’s Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla. Joshua Bell will conclude the concert with Bruch’s Violin Concerto.

“We are overjoyed to partner with the Tuesday Musical Association in this innovative way, and honored to welcome such an outstanding artist to our stage,” said Christopher Wilkins.

Although this concert is not the first time Tuesday Musical has presented violinist Joshua Bell, it will be the first collaborative concert of its kind in Akron. The Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical consider this partnership an opportunity to demonstrate the best artistic strengths of each organization and a renewed commitment to sharing Akron’s collective support for classical music.

“Tuesday Musical’s mission is to present the finest world renowned musicians to the Akron audience,” said Jarrod Hartzler, Executive Director of Tuesday Musical Association. “This collaboration with the Akron Symphony goes one step further, supporting and highlighting the many outstanding musicians who live right here in our community.”

“The core mission of the Akron Symphony Orchestra is to enhance the quality of life through musical excellence,” said Paul Jarrett, Executive Director of the Akron Symphony. “This partnership with Tuesday Musical Association allows us to fulfill that mission at a level that would otherwise not be possible. I look forward to continued partnerships between our two organizations.”

This will not be the first time Wilkins has worked with Joshua Bell. They have performed together on several occasions, most recently with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. “It is always a thrill, and a lesson in music making,” said Wilkins. “His entire being is caught up in every nuance. His heart and body are completely engaged in the moment. At the same time, he knows exactly what he wants. He has studied every aspect of the score. He hears everything that is going on, and can communicate with every orchestra member at any time.”

Hartzler and Jarrett noted that this particular partnership between the Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical does not imply that there will be an annual, co-produced concert. However, both organizations are committed to continuing to explore ways to collaborate in ways that make sense musically for the community, the organizations and the artists involved.

This concert is part of Tuesday Musical’s Concert Series and the Akron Symphony’s Classics Series during the 2014-2015 season. Tickets will be available by purchasing season tickets starting on Monday, March 17, 2014. Contact the Akron Symphony at 330.535.8131 or Tuesday Musical at 330.761.3460. Additional details about each organization and this concert can also be found online at akronsymphony.org and tuesdaymusical.org.