Cello Fest! features all-star international talent

Nationally and internationally recognized cellists will visit Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus October 13-17 to perform and collaborate with students, audiences and local professionals as part of Cello Fest! 2014.

This year’s edition of the annual event will feature international guest artists Joseph Johnson, principal cellist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Ashley Bathgate, cellist with the six-member New York-based ensemble Bang on a Can All-stars. During select performances, Johnson and Bathgate will be joined by Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra cellists Alicia Eppinga, Will Preece and Jeremy Crosmer; Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra cellist David Peshlakai; and Interlochen Center for the Arts cello instructor Crispin Campbell.

Master Class featuring Joseph Johnson
Monday, October 13 at 4 p.m.
Van Solkema Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
During this master class, Grand Valley cello students will receive expert technical and performance advice from Johnson who has been heard throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. He recently celebrated the release of a new album with pianist Victor Asuncion featuring the Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich Sonatas. Johnson also participated in a special recording project with the G. Schirmer Instrumental Library called “The Cello Collection.”

Cello Recital featuring Stefan Koch
Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Van Solkema Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Stefan Koch, cellist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, will perform the music of Richard Stohr during this special recital. Koch is also a member of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra and a frequent guest with orchestras in Toledo, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, the Michigan Opera Theatre and elsewhere.

Arts at Noon Series presents Cello Fest!
Wednesday, October 15 at noon
Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale Campus
The 37th annual Arts at Noon series continues with a concert featuring all Cello Fest! guest artists performing the modern classic “Cello Counterpoint” by Steven Reich as well as works by Georg Philipp Telemann and Georg Eduard Goltermann.
 

GVSU Symphony Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
The GVSU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pablo Manhave-Veglia, associate professor of music and director of Early Music Ensemble, will perform alongside Johnson as a featured soloist.

Cello Recital featuring Ashley Bathgate
Friday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Van Solkema Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus

All Cello Fest! events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Pablo Manhave-Veglia at (616) 331-3386 or [email protected].