Bender JCC Holiday Hours & Building Closures
Wednesday, October 1 – Building closes at 2 PM
Thursday, October 2 – Building closed

Arts & Culture Concerts and Performances Coming of Age

Polinger Artists of Excellence

Adults (18+), Adults (60+) Concerts and Performances
Logo for the Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert Series at Bender JCC of Greater Washington, featuring a piano and violin graphic.

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 man composing in front of a piano.

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.

An older man and woman posing for a photo. The man is dressed in a charcoal suit and the woman is wearing a lavender blazer.

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.

An older man outside playing the cello.

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. 

A man smiling for a photo while holding a violin.

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. 

Two men and one woman posing with violins, and one woman posing with a cello.

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