Joshua Bell

As a music buff and musician myself and from a family of musicians, I can honestly say that Joshua Bell's talent is in the stratosphere. He plays not only perfectly the most difficult pieces but does so with passion. You can see he loves what he does and as though he was born with a violin and bow. The pieces he chose were also a pleasure to listen to, and to see him execute some of these extremely challenging pieces was exhilirating. I had excellent seats so I could see his fingers and bowing clearly which gave me a great vantage point. You don't realize how difficult these pieces are until you are close enough to see how he executes them. My only regret is that there weren't more people in their 20s and 30s, the audience was much older, and I am sad that this art doesn't have more of a mass audience which includes young and old audience members. Joshua Bell is truly a rock star.

Awesome concert Loved every piece My 95 year old father was just thrilled

Joshua Bell is one of today's premier and probably best know violinists. His performance Thursday night verified his reputation. He and the Columbus Symphony were both outstanding. I'm glad we had an opportunity to attend the nearly sold out house.

Not so keen on the Bach- he played it as if he were bored. He did not seem to communicate with the accompanist very well on this piece. He was better suited to play Schumann, Grieg, and Revel as evidenced by his interest per body language, acute tonality, and rhythmic precision. Wonderful accompaniment! His encore was Fritz Kreisler! Extraordinarily schmaltzy and fun! Nice performance.

As a long time Gainesville resident, and major music fan, it was quite pleasant. The Phillips Center is by far the best venue in town. My vision is for rock bands to perform here.

Joshua played with such passion and soul. Amazing talent that shows through on his awesome performances. The pianist was also very, very good and entertaining. He was an integral part of the success of the performance.

Joshua Bell is a master of the violin and I would highly recommend going to one of his performances. He plays so passionately on stage and seeing him move graciously around stage as he plays is a sight to behold.

Outstanding, mesmerizing, magnificent...we enjoyed Joshua Bell.

My husband and I had a great time, the performance will stay in our memory and we felt so relax after it. His interpretation was great and I discovered the sonatas differently. Amazing

This concert was awesome and Mr Bell played flawlessly. I took my daughter who is a violinist in her high school orchestra and she thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was well worth the two and a half hour drive each way from Melbourne.

My husband and I drove to Gainesville from Orlando to attend the Joshua Bell event at the Phillips Center. We had heard him play live about a year ago when he was the guest artist with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. At that concert, we were in the front row, center seats. I had tears streaming down my face the entire time he played. I don't know if it was because the music was so beautiful, or if it was because I was so close to greatness, but it was an overwhelmingly emotional response. It was one of the most memorable times of my life. So...we were very excited to see (and hear) him again. Our seats were on the mezzanine level, so we weren't within ten feet of him like before. However, he again stirred my soul with his incredible talent and the sweetness and purity of his music. It was a beautiful performance! Accompanist Jeremy Denk on piano was perfection, too. I wish we could relive the concert tonight!

Joshua Bell's performance was everything I imagined it would be-awesome! Seeing him live was on my bucket list but I would do it again in a shot.

Joshua Bell does not disappoint. He was surley, sexy and just wonderful. When he popped the srting of his bow on one of the final pieces it just added to the overall mode of the concert - full of energy. Great and I highly recommend Mr. Bell to young and old alike.

With all the wonderful composers of classical music, the selection of Grieg and Prokofiev was difficult to understand. We enjoyed the Schubert piece, but the balance of the listed program was not enjoyable.

Wonderful performance. Very intimate feel since only two instruments (violin and piano) and we were sitting so close.

Yes, wonderful performance. Too bad that the public did not respond. The theater was only partially full. They keep on coming late and the theather allows them to interrupt.

Joshua is just better every day. I saw him also in Fort Lauderdale 4 years ago. I never thought he could get even better. Looking forward to go him again. He is the real thing

I iike Joshua Bell, I always have. I've attended previous concerts in NYC. I appreciate that he makes pit stops at secondary sized venues such as the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. I am not a classical music purist or snob. But here's the deal-when you go to a rock concert to hear a favorite performer-you want to hear the prime cuts of an album, not the ones that are rarely played on the radio. Same goes with classical music-at least for my tastes. I want to hear the stuff that's played on the radio, the tried and true pieces that you hum over and over again in your head. I think the performer's skill and technique at this concert where top notch perfect but I was so so disappointed in the choices of music that he played. It also seemed odd to me that in such a small intimate venue the artist did not interact verbally with the audience. I like Joshua Bell, I appreciate all that he does to advance the cause of classical music but I would have liked to see him play different pieces than was chosen and take the opportunity to interact with a small audience when he has one.

I have been a fan of Joshua Bell for years and enjoyed finally seeing him perform live and hear his music without any translation to bytes or groves in vinyl. However, I wish they would have closed the lid on the piano, it was way too loud for me. At times it seemed he was drowning out Joshua's violin playing.

We thoroughly enjoyed this concert but felt the choice of program might have been more dynamic.

Joshua Bell was very good. It was unfortunate that he only played one piece and did not do anything after the final curtain call. The Albany Symphony Orchestra did a superb job.

David Alan Miller, the conductor of the Albany Symphony, was an amazing master of ceremonies, and the evening was polished and wonderful. Disappointed in the choice of Mr. Bell's music and in the brevity of his performance. Otherwise the evening was joyous.

I am so impressed by how wonderful the Albany Symphony Orchestra is. David Allen Miller is an excellent conductor and I loved the way he and the orchestra interpreted the music. Joshua Bell's performance was stellar!

The concert was amazing, the Orchestra perform a beautiful Firebird and the performance Joshua Bell interpret an explosive Max Bruch

So happy that the DSO was back at Meadowbrook. Wonderful concert in a beautiful setting. Hope the summer tradition continues with even more performances!

So happy to have the DSO back to perform at Meadow Brook, it has been too long since the regular visits to this family friendly site. Joshua Bell was an inspiration to our two grandchildren for his talent and enthusiasm for his craft. Looking forward to a return to Meadow Brook Music Festival by the DSO

This was the first time I saw Joshua Bell in person - what a treat. Excellent performance - excellent venue.

Terrific concert altogether I took my daughter with me he is very inspirational to her. I would highly recommend attending his fine performance to anyone. Joshua Bell is a stellar performer and an excellent violinist! All the best and congratulations to him. Sam and Raneen.

It was a superb performance. The DSO was great, as always, and Joshua Bell was masterful.

This was a spectacular performance with surprise special guests. Great venue for such an amazing concert performance.

It was a beautiful evening, the concert was very good, and all of Joshua's friends added greatly to the concert. Our seats were good and the weather cooperated and it was a very nice balmy evening.

Joshua Bell is a wonderful violinist, and he showed it. But why he chose the friends he did is a mystery to us. Glen Close who? A toss in at best. The pianist from Vegas? Ho hum. He did not add to the program. NOT AT ALL! The violinist who played with Bell? Why bother? Very NOT vigorous as a presentation. All the pieces played were somewhat average. And, the conductor Tovey? The last piece was pretty good, but...not worth the price of admission. All in all, I feel I overpaid tremendously. We'll think twice before returning to the Bowl. Very disappointing evening, save for Bell. Bummer.

Joshua Bell is the one Bowl artist I never miss -- it's just not summer without him. As usual, he is perfect and sublime.

The show was good in general, the L.A. Symphony sucks when all they play are horrible unknown soundtracks, Joshua Bell was great, wished he played more with his friends, specially the piano guy and the 3 fiddlers.

Amazing show! Especially loved Death by Triple Fiddle.

Amazing show!!! What a night :) Joshua Bell ranks among the very best!

Great mix of classical and hits, awesome talent! The variety provided by Joshua Bell teaming up with friends made for a very enjoyable night.

The program seemed to have been assembled at random. Stravinsky (without Bell) to open and close the show, and then a motley assortment of guests who, with Bell, did everything from Broadway musical songs to the Beatles to bluegrass to classical.

Opening night for the LA Philharmonic Orchestra was made a little bit more friendly with Joshua Bell including a few of his friends to participate. Not only was Mr. Bell delightful as he introduced is guest performers, he told the audience a little bit about how he became friends with them. He made a very personal connection with his fans that night and perhaps gathered more fans and friends at the same time. The Orchestra was wonderful and pleasantly intermixed with duets that Joshua played with his friends. Of course, the Maestro's solos were beyond words. This should have been a sell out evening, but wasn't. I personally am grateful for that, because I was able to score a ticket. But, the folks that passed up going to this concert, really missed out. My advice? Don't miss this next time (but save a couple of seats for me). I will definitely go again.

The Joshua Bell and Friends concert on July 8th was fun from start to finish. Joshua Bell had invited several friends to join him in selections that showcased their mutual talents. Perhaps the most interesting was "Death by Triple Fiddle" for three violins and double bass. An energetic piece, reminiscent of "Bowfire". Watching one the big screens which enhanced the performances greatly, I could see members of the orchestra beaming as they watched as raptly as the audience did. Glen Close performed "With One Look" from "Sunset Boulevard" and "Lay Your Head Down" from "Albert Nobbs" with Mr Bell.s lyrical accompaniment. The first moved me to tears, although in the second number, Ms Close had trouble with a note in the lower register and never regained her composure. The audience, however was very appreciative. "Eleanor Rigby", described by Mr Bell as a fantasy was performed with Vegas entertainer Frankie Moreno at the piano and providing the vocals. It was over all too quickly for this reviewer. There was also a duet between Mr Bell and Philippe Quint in Navarra by Sarasate. Both soloists used scores and there were occasional slight "disagreements" in timing both between the soloists, and with the orchestra. One surmises that there was little rehearsal time due to scheduling conflicts. Mr. Bell played two solo works. Tzigane by Ravel was fascinating to watch. I was expecting Ziegeunerwiessen, as originally advertised, but the Ravel was a very acceptable substitute. I confess, that as a violinist, I am not a big fan of Tzigane and find it hard to maintain interest during the long opening Cadenza. However, being able to watch Mr Bell on the big screens added a completely new dimension to my enjoyment of the piece. Live concerts are still the best way to experience showpieces. The other piece was a lyrical movie tune, "Ladies in Lavender". This was Joshua Bell at his strength and best. His sweet tone and evident emotion are what make him one of the most popular violinists today.the audience actually paused several seconds before applauding, so carried away by the emotion. Age will eventually blunt the dazzling technique, but his soft, achingly beautiful music will carry him for many years. The two orchestral bookends to the concert, "Fireworks" and "Firebird Suite" , both by Stravinsky set off and closed the concert delightfully. The orchestra was well disciplined by Maestro Tovey and the ending to the "Firebird" is one of the most moving and dramatic in all classical literature. The Bowl experience continues to improve. Over the years, the struggle with acoustics has been won. The occasional helicopter or siren will always be distracting, but unavoidable. At one point, a siren started up just as Mr Bell and Ms Close were ready to begin. He paused a second, then gave a slight smile and a shrug, and started in. The Bowl staff were all courteous and friendly, from the program sellers to the ushers. Our seats were in Section S, front row, our favorite place to sit and we were able to get them only two weeks before the concert. All in all, a very pleasant way to spend a warm Summer evening.

Josh is a master, young, and sweet, and so were the sounds of him with his friends and the LA Phil. And what a treat to see Glenn Close and hear her sing!

Joshua Bell was energetic, phenomenal, and synced with the conductor and orchestra! I cannot overstate just how wonderful he was. So blessed to have seen and heard him play. His violin sang! (300 yr old Stradivarius)

I was so excited that Joshua Bell was gojng to be preforming! I feel I spent a good amount on okay seat just to see him preform. And he did excellent for the first half! And then he didn t preform in the second half. So I feel I paid for a full show and only got part of the show. It was very disappointing.

I've had this on my calendar for a couple months anticipating a fabulous night. The Symphony fulfilled that, but unfortunately the star didn't. He only played around a half hour at best in the first session, then went out to sell and sign dozens maybe hundreds of CD's and did not return in the second half, took more time selling/signing than on stage.... VERY DISAPPOINTING.

Joshua Bell lived up to his reputation, and the total symphony played absolutely flawlessly and beautifully! I was happy seeing the Conductor beaming because he was also pleased. You could tell that everyone just nailed the performance.

Thank you Joshua Bell and your orchestra for your magnificent uplifting performance! We appreciate very much the role of NJPAC in this event and many others too!

Highly recommended even for a broad audience. Joshua's play is in a class of its own.

Thrilled that I was able to attend this awe inspiring concert. Joshua Bell and all the Academy of St Martin Are impressive, accomplished musicians dedicated to their craft. I will be looking for future concerts to attend.

Joshua Bell and the Academy were stunning! Truly a magical evening...

Absolutely everything about the evening, Joshua Bell is such an amazing Violinist and one of my favorites. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to see him perform with the Magnificent Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Love it <3

Bell and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chamber orchestra performed flawlessly, every note, every second.

The Center itself is a beautiful work of art-with excellent acoustics and great viewing from almost anywhere in the "room". A polite, friendly and most helpful staff completes the excellence of any performance. Nothing can describe the sheer magnificence of this incredible orchestra. And then there is Joshua Bell whose playing and passion are light years above everything.

One might well run out of superlatives to describe Joshua Bell s virtuosity. Complemented by the exquisite performance of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Bell delivered a program of classical treasures with exhilirating artistry and stunning technique. Bravo to the ensemble!

Joshua Bell and Sam Heywood are two of the best. Seeing them in an intimate setting was unforgettable. So grateful we could be there!

This event was great . Joshua Bell was amazing . A true inspiration

Joshua Bell gave a brilliant performance at the Tilles Center at C.W. Post on Saturday (10/24/15). We were sitting in the 3rd row, on the side, but still have fabulous views, with wonderful acoustics My family can't wait to see him again.

A wonderful opportunity to hear one of the greatest violinists alive today. An amazing performance by both Joshua Bell and Sam Haywood!They are great together. The "Performance Plus" lecture on the program was also excellent.

I have been looking forward to seeing this amazing talent in person for a while. I was not disappointed. He was skillful, engaging, passionate and entertaining. I firmly believe he is the star of the future for kids whose interest in classical music will be greatly expanded after seeing him perform. His ability to perform and conduct was quite a wonderful thing to behold. The orchestra seemed to love playing behind his leadership. I've never heard the LA Phil better.

It was amazing! A beautiful evening with awesome music.

I guess I didn't pay close enough to the fine print, as I was not expecting Joshua Bell to conduct. He did play the solo for the Bruch piece, which was absolutely amazing and the only reason I gave this 3 stars instead of 1. You may be asking, "did you expect him to just be a violin in the Beethoven symphony?" Well, I was wondering about that, but I just assumed he had something unique planned, like an improvised solo. But, you go to a concert to see a master musician, and he conducts a symphony? It's like going to a Penn & Teller performance, they do one trick for you, and then introduce other magicians to do tricks for the rest of the show. Very strange...

In top form, Joshua conducted from a bench whilst playing, a stretch to call it serious, but it didn't affect the music...L.A. Phil and Bell are a neat marriage. Too bad Ticketmaster doesn't have park and ride connections to Rowland Hts. It would be a great service for those of us from Rancho Mirage. Thanks, Danyboy

Interesting to see a soloist also conducting. Especially enjoyed that he sat with the orchestra and played the opening piece, Hebrides Overture, instead of standing at the podium. Very good performance of the Bruch concerto. Excellent interpretation of Beethoven's seventh symphony. A very rousing final movement had the strings getting a big workout.

No limit to the imagination and imagery in Joshua Bell's interpretation of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, Tuesday evening, August 11, 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic orchestra. Opening with Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture, Bell conducted and soloed from the concertmaster position. His tone, both tangible and tenacious is also resonant of an open, highly-creative mind and connected soul. Followed by Bruch's First Violin Concerto, Bell conducted and soloed from the perspective of the soloist. While stretching the boundaries of traditional orchestral roles and positions, it was clear that Bell's talent and in-depth understanding of the work earned him triple duty. The orchestra was with Bell in every dynamic panel, tempo change, accelerando and ritard, as his imaginative requests were honored by the players and the audience: neither of whom could drop sight of his expressive eyes. Joshua Bell is more than a violin player. He asks us to go on a journey of passion: how he hears the score in his head. Instead of beating time, Bell gave an undeniable expression of musical intention. It was incredible to watch how each player expressively responds to a maestro of this caliber. Bell's interpretation of the 7th Symphony evoked such a voice, that Ludwig van Beethoven's ghost was palpably present in its coming to terms with the composer's own illness and mortality in the Allegretto of the second movement. Thank you Maestro Bell.

Enjoy a night with wonderful music. Joshua was unforgettable.

Joshua Bell was exceptional. It was a real treat to hear him play live and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

He's always wonderful to hear and watch. Wish the acoustics were better in this theater.

As always, Bell was superb, and the intimacy of Bergen PAC suited the recital well. If you've never heard him live, do so.

awesome performance. captivated the audience from the begining to the end. always a delight to attenf Josh's concerts.

Great performance. The music was extraordinary. The violin and piano complemented each other. The choice of music was superb for this performance.

Even though my wife and I were completely unfamiliar with the selections played, the level of musicianship and command of their instruments displayed by Bell and Bax was breathtaking. It would be easy and not inappropriate to string together several other superlatives about their performance. And afterwards, they came out to the lobby and signed autographs and posed for pictures. Very down-to-earth guys. Easy to see why they are such fan favorites.

Although a truly proficient violinist, Bell foes not play with passion. The only time he exhibited any feeling was during his two encore performances.