Polinger Artists of Excellence

World Class Concerts in an Intimate Setting
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.
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. Access to tickets before the general public and reserve your preferred seats for the entire season.
- Private, VIP-only concert. Enjoy a free concert, available only to season-ticket subscribers, in addition to our six regular concerts.
- Season Subscriber-only receptions

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 Geraldine 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.

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