Heritage.com: 'Sphinx Laureate Gareth Johnson performing Tchaikovsky's D major Violin Concerto on a Stradivari violin' April 29

[Gareth Johnson]

Heritage Newspapers

Saturday, February 4, 2012

“The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1999 and concentrates on educational efforts, sponsoring youth concerto competitions to showcase talented young musicians. An important aspect of the YSO's growth has been its partnerships with regional organizations, to strengthen community ties and offer diverse musical experiences to audiences. The YSO performs each year with a Sphinx Competition winner, showcasing a talented young African-American or Hispanic musician in collaboration with the Sphinx Organization.

The next chance to hear the Ypsilanti Symphony will be April 29, during an event featuring violin virtuoso and Sphinx Laureate Gareth Johnson performing Tchaikovsky's D major Violin Concerto on a Stradivari violin. Crafted in 1709 by Antonio Stradivari who was regarded to be one of the finest violin makers in history, this rare instrument is one of about 1,100 violins he produced in his lifetime and is on loan to the YSO from among the collections of The Henry Ford.

The 2011-2012 special season finale will be held at Eastern Michigan University's Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti instead of at Towsley Auditorium. [Aaron Dworkin (b. 1970), Founder and President of The Sphinx Organization is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.AaronDworkin.com]

Gareth Johnson
Violinist & Composer

“Distinguished Lecturer and Artist in Residence (Professor) at Albany State University, Albany Georgia. 

“An artist with flair that brings to the stage an exciting 21st Century rendition of the master's; mixed with the vibrancy of youth, perfection and extraordinary musicality. At the age of 10 after hearing famed Itzhak Perlman, the young Mr. Johnson declared, 'I can play that instrument!' And how right he was. Mr. Johnson is an articulate, enthusiastic, and creative presenter and an inspiration to young musicians everywhere. Now in his mid-20s, the New York Times once said of Mr. Johnson that he '…possesses prodigious musical gifts – like Joshua Bell or Maxim Vengerov…he dominates the stage.'”