Polinger Artists of Excellence
Experience musical excellence at the Bender JCC. The Polinger Artists of Excellence concert series curates chamber music performances of the highest caliber featuring world-class musicians on our local stage.
World Class Concerts in Your Backyard
Catch unparalleled performances from global superstars right in your backyard! For over 50 years, the Polinger Artists of Excellence Series has enriched our community by curating outstanding performances from the world’s most celebrated musicians, including luminaries like Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman. Whether rising stars or renowned performers, Polinger Artists of Excellence represent the highest level of musicianship and reflect the cultural diversity of our community.
Catch A Concert
Whether you’re a connoisseur of classical music or simply curious about chamber performances, the Polinger Artists of Excellence series has a concert to fit your interests. We present six outstanding concerts in a typical year, in many genres — some including special events, exhibits, and receptions
Accessible Artistry for All
The Polinger Artists of Excellence series seeks to invite art into the lives of all Bender JCC members, and strives to cultivate a culture of inclusiveness, in which our artists and audiences are as diverse and dynamic as our Greater Washington Jewish community. An important aspect of our work is to amplify and celebrate the voices of historically marginalized and underrepresented artists. Moreover, the Bender JCC, we believe the arts should be accessible to all, which is why we offer:
- Accommodations for people with disabilities, including hearing and vision impairments
- Free tickets for children (18 and younger) with a paying adult
Polinger VIP Experience for Season Subscribers
Polinger VIPs make the Bender JCC their performing arts home for “can’t miss” classical concerts with a season-tickets subscription! Not only do Polinger VIPs unlock exclusive benefits and incredible savings, their season-ticket subscriptions support the Bender JCC’s artistic and educational programming.
Season-ticket subscribers also unlock these exclusive benefits:
- Priority access to tickets. Reserve your favorite seats for the entire season! As Polinger VIPs, season-ticket subscribers receive access to tickets before the general public.
- Private, VIP-only concert. Polinger VIPs enjoy a free concert, available only to season-ticket subscribers, in addition to our six regular concerts.
- Exclusive events with artists. Join us for pre-concert receptions just for Polinger VIPs, which can include artist meet-and-greets or backstage access to rehearsals.
- Discounted tickets. Save money and get a free concert on us! Season-ticket holders purchase six concerts for the price of five (in addition to the free, VIP-only concert for season-ticket subscribers for a total of seven concerts, two of which are free for Polinger VIPs)!
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence and Profound Generosity
The Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert Series is made possible by the Geraldine and Howard Polinger Concert Endowment Fund. The extraordinary generosity of Gerry and Howard Polinger – both of blessed memory – and that of the entire Polinger family has sustained this concert series for more than a half-century, and allowed our community to enjoyed unparalleled concert experiences. The Bender JCC sincerely thanks the Polinger family and our loyal subscribers for supporting 50 years (and counting!) of remarkable concerts.
Our Artists of Excellence
Here are a few of the many musical luminaries who have graced the Bender JCC’s stage throughout the 50+ year history of our Polinger Artists of Excellence series:
Yo-Yo Ma’s multi-faceted career is testament to his belief in culture’s power to generate trust and understanding. Whether performing new or familiar works for cello, bringing communities together to explore culture’s role in society, or engaging unexpected musical forms, Yo-Yo strives to foster connections that stimulate the imagination and reinforce our humanity.
Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to the irrepressible joy of making music, which he communicates.
Each visionary performance of the award-winning Borromeo String Quartet strengthens and deepens its reputation as one of the most important ensembles of our time. Admired and sought after for both their fresh interpretations of the classical music canon and its championing of works by 20th and 21st century composers, the Borromeo Quartet has inspired audiences for more than 25 years.
Partnered With
Cinema J
- Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
Books and Bubbles
- Infants and Toddlers (0-5)
Mount Vernon Virtuosi
- All
- Arts
Friends of the Arts
- Adults (65+)
Summer Book Club 2025 – The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
- Ages 18+
- July 18 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Summer Book Club 2025 – We Would Never by Tova Mirvis
- Ages 18+
- August 15 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm