Joshua Bell Plays At Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center observed one of its longtime traditions: the Gala opening concert of the new season of the New York Philharmonic. On December 31 we'll re-invent another longtime Live From Lincoln Center tradition: the Gala New Year's Eve concert by the New York Philharmonic. Music Director Lorin Maazel will be on the podium for a program of music appropriate for the festive occasion, and the guest artist will be the acclaimed violinist, Joshua Bell.

Joshua Bell was brought up in Bloomington, Indiana, where his father was a Professor at Indiana University. I.U., as it is known in academia, is an extraordinary university, with a School of Music that is world-renowned. Among its outstanding faculty was the eminent violinist Josef Gingold, who became Josh's inspired (and inspiring) mentor and devoted friend. Indeed it was the presence of Gingold in Indiana that led to the establishment of the Indianapolis International Violin Competition. One way for a young musician to attract attention is to win one of the major international competitions. But Joshua Bell did not have to go the Competition route: that Philadelphia Orchestra debut set him on the course that has made him one of the outstanding artists of our time.