Bach begins his brilliant C Major suite with a simple descending scale, a strong statement of positive energy. From those very 1st opening notes we feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. One of the most distinctive and appealing features of the cello as an instrument is its rich deep bass qualities, epitomized by the purity and substance of the open low C string. – Cellist Christopher Costanza
The Heifetz Institute isn’t necessarily known as a hotbed of historic-instrument performances….but that may change this summer with the launch of the Heifetz Baroque Vocal Workshop!
One who will be part of it – and is also a Baroque-performance trailblazer – is Heifetz alum (and now, HeifetzPEG faculty member) Beiliang Zhu.
Beiliang attended the Institute for three summers (2006-2008) while it was located at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. She also happens to have won First Prize – as well as the Audience Award – at the 18th International Bach Competition in Leipzig in 2012, becoming the first string player ever to receive the top prize performing on a Baroque instrument. You’ll understand why when you witness this performance!
Check out her riveting performance of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 – replete with Baroque instrument, bow, and thoroughly 21st century audience – in concert at a 2018 Celebrity Series performance at Mary Baldwin University’s Francis Auditorium.
(And if you like this, check out our earlier Video of the Week featuring Beiliang Zhu playing a five-string Baroque cello!)
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