SYMPHONIC SERIES

FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

The Festival Orchestra features outstanding students and distinguished faculty members of the IU Jacobs School of Music on three Thursday evenings this summer. Enjoy one of the finest orchestras in the Midwest under the direction of violinist Joshua Bell, and world-class guest conductors Michael Stern and Leonard Slatkin.

Concert I Joshua Bell, Director and Violin Soloist June 29, 8:00 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center      For over two decades, Bloomington-born and IU alumnus Joshua Bell has been captivating audiences worldwide with his poetic musicality. He came to national attention at the age of 14 in a highly acclaimed orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. A Carnegie Hall debut, the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, and a recording contract further confirmed his unique presence in the music world. Equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra leader, Bell's career is exceptionally varied. Now in his thirties, he continues to perform regularly with the world's leading symphony orchestras and conductors. At the same time, his restless curiosity and multifaceted musical interests have taken him in exciting new directions, forging a unique career that has earned him the rare title of classical music superstar.

Concert II Michael Stern, Conductor July 20, 8:00 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center        Recognized as one of the most dynamic American conductors of his generation, Michael Stern began his tenure as music director of the Kansas City Symphony in 2005. Stern is also the founding music director of the IRIS Chamber Orchestra, presently in its sixth season. His passionate energy will be applied to Glinka’s Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla, Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole (1907), and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36.

Concert III Leonard Slatkin, Conductor August 3, 8:00 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center      Discover why internationally celebrated conductor Leonard Slatkin has been universally praised by critics and audiences for his imaginative programming and interpretations of a vast range of repertoire. As music director of the National Symphony Orchestra for the past 11 years, his tenure has included abundant honors including a Grammy for Best Classical Recording and the National Medal of the Arts, the nation's highest honor for a performing artist. Slatkin is also principal guest conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and principal guest conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. He will lead the Festival Orchestra in Lutoslawski's Concerto for Orchestra and Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben.

Additional Free Concert SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Cliff Colnot, Conductor July 11, 8 p.m. Musical Arts Center - FREE   Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to hear Liadov’s Enchanted Lake and Shostakovich’s Symphony #5, conducted by Cliff Colnot, principal conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's contemporary MusicNOW series, resident conductor of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and principal conductor of the Contemporary Chamber Players.