Experience Musical Excellence at the Bender JCC
Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert Series
COMING SOON!!
The Bender JCC looks forward to the return of our long-running Polinger Artists of Excellence chamber music series in the spring of 2022, presenting rising stars and renowned artists that include familiar faces as well as series debuts.
Join us for magnificent chamber works from the standard canon and expand your horizons with newer offerings. Musicians perform in the Gildenhorn/Speisman Center for the Arts’ intimate Kreeger Auditorium.
The Mount Vernon Virtuosi
The Bender JCC is pleased to resume our partnership with the Mount Vernon Virtuosi to present exciting FREE chamber orchestra programs in the Kreeger Auditorium for their 2021-2022 season. Peabody Conservatory cello faculty artist Amit Peled established this chamber orchestra in 2018 to nurture, train and support local graduate music students during their auditions period, and offering concerts all across Maryland.
This season the Mount Vernon Virtuosi will perform TWO programs on each of four Sundays. We are thrilled to present both a 45-minute Kid-Friendly Family Concert and an Adult-Oriented Chamber Music Program.
Questions about concerts at the Bender JCC? Contact us!
| Brian Ganz Presents: CHOPIN: BREAKING THE RULES with “Musical Gardening” | Saturday, February 5th |
| Mount Vernon Virtuosi Presents: “Romance In The Air” | Sunday, February 13th |
| Mount Vernon Virtuosi Presents: “From Heart to Heart – A Mother’s Day Celebration” | Sunday, May 8th |
Brian Ganz Presents: CHOPIN: BREAKING THE RULES with “Musical Gardening”
Saturday, February 5th
3:00 PM
Photo by Jay Mallin
Brian Ganz Presents: CHOPIN: BREAKING THE RULES with “Musical Gardening”
Preview Concert
Saturday, February 5 l 3:00 pm l Free l Kreeger Auditorium
The Bender JCC is thrilled to welcome back acclaimed pianist Brian Ganz for a preview of his 11th recital in his quest to perform the complete works of Frédéric Chopin at the Music Center at Strathmore. The preview will feature an abridged version of his February 26 Strathmore program, entitled “Chopin: Breaking the Rules.”
Ganz will play excerpts from the program and discuss and demonstrate his signature “Musical Gardening” metaphor, in which he shows how early works of Chopin contain the seeds of his genius, which comes to full bloom in mature examples of the same genres. He will explore iconic Chopin genres such as waltzes, polonaises, and nocturnes, including such perennial favorites as the Nocturne in C-sharp minor and the “Heroic” Polonaise. He will also answer questions from the audience and take Chopin requests.
Please note: Seating for this performance is unreserved. Masks must be worn at all times when in the Bender JCC building. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend.
Mount Vernon Virtuosi Presents: “Romance In The Air”
Sunday, February 13th
11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Mount Vernon Virtuosi Presents: “Romance In The Air”
Sunday, February 13, 2022 (11:00 and 2:00)
Family Concert – Sunday, February 13 l 11:00 AM -12:00 PM l Free
Introduce the youngsters in your life to the magic of classical music with entertaining, educational concerts that engage and inspire. Suitable for all ages, children learn about orchestral instruments and composers while enjoying a fun afternoon of music.
General Public Sunday – February 13, 2022 l 2:00 -3:00 PM l Free
About the Event
Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein is featured in this program that includes composers von Weber, Strauss, and the youngest recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for Music, Caroline Shaw
Excerpts from:
- CAROLINE SHAW Entr’acte
- CARL MARIA VON WEBER Clarinet Quintet in B-flat Major, op. 34 (arr. for clarinet and strings)
- Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet
- RICHARD STRAUSS Metamorphosen
Reception following – families are invited to join us for light refreshments and meet the musicians!
In keeping with our mission, all concerts are free-of-charge. We appreciate your contributions which can be made at the door.
About Mount Vernon Virtuosi
Founded in 2018 by internationally renowned cellist Amit Peled, Mount Vernon Virtuosi is a chamber orchestra based in Baltimore, Maryland. Comprised of seventeen string players, the orchestra provides a place of artistic growth for young musicians on the brink of their professional careers. The orchestra performs for audiences of all ages through exceptional performances and community engagement activities throughout the Baltimore and Washington DC region.
Beyond regular season concerts in the Baltimore/Washington area, Mount Vernon Virtuosi has toured throughout the East Coast and records exclusively for the CTM Classics recording label. The orchestra’s first recording, “Mozart Live” was released in 2019.
Through the generous contributions of dedicated individuals, all regular season performances at the Bender JCC, including the Family Concerts, are presented free of charge. For more information, please visit Mount Vernon Virtuosi’s Click Here
Mount Vernon Virtuosi Presents: “From Heart to Heart – A Mother’s Day Celebration”
Sunday, May 8th
11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Mount Vernon Virtuosi Presents: “From Heart to Heart – A Mother’s Day Celebration”
Sunday, May 8, 2022 (11:00 AM and 2:00 PM)
Family Concert – Sunday, May 8 l 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM l Free
Introduce the youngsters in your life to the magic of classical music with entertaining, educational concerts that engage and inspire. Suitable for all ages, children learn about orchestral instruments and composers while enjoying a fun afternoon of music. Please join us for a reception following for light refreshment and to meet the musicians.
General Public – Sunday, May 8 l 2:00-3:00 PM l Free
About the Event
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Amit Peled. He will conduct and play his cello in this heartfelt tribute to all the special women in our lives.
Excerpts from:
- FANNY MENDELSSOHN HENSEL String Quartet in E-flat Major
- EDWARD ELGAR Salut d’amour
- Amit Peled, cello
- ERNEST BLOCH From Jewish Life “Prayer” for Cello and Strings
- Amit Peled, cello
- GIACOMO PUCCINI Crisantemi
About Mount Vernon Virtuosi
Founded in 2018 by internationally renowned cellist Amit Peled, Mount Vernon Virtuosi is a chamber orchestra based in Baltimore, Maryland. Comprised of seventeen string players, the orchestra provides a place of artistic growth for young musicians on the brink of their professional careers. The orchestra performs for audiences of all ages through exceptional performances and community engagement activities throughout the Baltimore and Washington DC region.
Beyond regular season concerts in the Baltimore/Washington area, Mount Vernon Virtuosi has toured throughout the East Coast and records exclusively for the CTM Classics recording label. The orchestra’s first recording, “Mozart Live” was released in 2019.
Through the generous contributions of dedicated individuals, all regular season performances at the Bender JCC, including the Family Concerts, are presented free of charge. For more information, please visit Mount Vernon Virtuosi’s website Click Here .
