Chamber Music Sedona is thrilled to open its 43rd concert season with “Violin of Legend” on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Featuring violinist Benjamin Beilman and pianist Gloria Chien, the exhilarating program will showcase one of the world’s most legendary instruments: The 1740 Guarneri “del Gesù,” once owned by the Belgian violinist-composer Eugène Ysaÿe and now played by Beilman.
In addition to two works that Ysaÿe premiered — most likely on this very violin — the program will include works by Béla Bartók, Karol Szymanowski and American composer Chris Rogerson.
Hailed as one of the leading violinists of his generation, Beilman has earned international praise for his passionate performances and deep rich tone, which the Washington Post called “mightily impressive,” and The New York Times described as “muscular with a glint of violence.” He has appeared with many of the world’s foremost orchestras and festivals, from the Chicago Symphony to the Berlin Philharmonie. In recital and chamber music, he is a frequent performer at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall and other renowned venues worldwide.
Beilman’s commitment to and passion for contemporary music has led to new works written for him by Frederic Rzewski, which was commissioned by Music Accord; and Gabriella Smith, which commissioned by the Schubert Club in St. Paul, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Beilman has received many prestigious accolades including a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship, an Avery Fisher Career Grant and a London Music Masters Award.
Pianist Gloria Chien has been celebrated by The Boston Globe as an artist “who appears to excel in everything.” A frequent performer with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, she has appeared at prestigious stages including Alice Tully Hall, the Library of Congress and the National Concert Hall in Taiwan. Beyond her performances, Chien is recognized as an influential concert presenter and educator, co-directing festivals such as the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival and Chamber Music Northwest. She recently released two albums — “Gloria Chien LIVE” from the Music@Menlo LIVE label and “Here with You,” featuring clarinetist Anthony McGill Chien is a Steinway Artist and Artist-in-Residence at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
The program for “Violin of Legend” will feature:
▪ Eugène Ysaÿe: Sonata in D minor for Violin, Op. 27, No. 3, “Ballade”
▪ Béla Bartók: Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano, BB 85
▪ Karol Szymanowski: Nocturne and Tarantella for Violin and Piano, Op. 28
▪ Chris Rogerson: Arietta for Violin and Piano
▪ César Franck: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano
For concert details and tickets, or to purchase subscriptions for Chamber Music Sedona’s 43rd season, visit chambermusicsedona.org.
