Observer Editor
Nicola Benedetti & Friends: University Musical Society
Scottish violinist Benedetti, who also directs the Edinburgh International Festival, presents a program that combines romantic salon pieces, violin showstoppers, and Scottish folk tunes, with an ensemble that includes guitarist Plínio Fernandes, accordionist Hanzhi Wang, and cellist Adrian Daurov. Tonight’s performance features Ernest Bloch’s soulful “Prayer,” the first song in From Jewish Life; Manuel Ponce’s ineffably lovely melody “Estrellita;” and Pablo de Sarasate’s challenging Carmen Fantasy; as well as works by Peter Maxwell Davies, Clara Schumann, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Paganini, along with new arrangements of traditional Scottish music. The Guardian UK reviewer called a November performance on this tour a “super-polished jam session, punctuated by friendly, unpolished chat from the stage.” Benedetti gives a lecture on music education on Feb. 5 (see listing). 2 p.m. Rackham Auditorium. $36–$58 (students $15–$20) in advance only at (734) 764–2538 and tickets.ums.org.
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