Written By Elisabeth Thierot
San Francisco CA USA
A night of pure musical magic unfolded on February 26th at Davies Symphony Hall as world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell and the illustrious Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) returned for an electrifying program that left audiences breathless. This wasn’t just a concert. It was a masterclass in musical excellence, a collaborative tour de force that blended the brilliance of ASMF’s elite musicians with the fresh, vibrant energy of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) students.
From the moment the orchestra took the stage, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Founded in 1958 by the legendary Sir Neville Marriner, ASMF has earned its reputation as one of the most revered chamber orchestras in the world—famed for its signature player-led approach and exhilarating, dynamic performances. Without a traditional conductor dictating every movement, ASMF musicians perform with unparalleled freedom and fluidity, creating a seamless and deeply connected musical experience that feels more like a conversation between artists than a rigidly structured performance.
Under the artistic direction of Joshua Bell, this unique approach has continued to push boundaries, making each ASMF concert a thrilling and unpredictable journey. And this night was no exception. The program was a breathtaking culmination of ASMF’s music residency with Bell at SFCM, offering conservatory students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform side-by-side with some of the greatest musicians in the world. The evening featured Rimsky-Korsakov’s magnificent Scheherazade, performed with 38 SFCM students, and Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, with SFCM student Fiona Cunninghame-Murray sharing the stage with Bell.
These young, exceptionally talented musicians didn’t just hold their own. They shined, elevating the night’s performance into something truly special. Bell, of course, was nothing short of spectacular, but then again, we shouldn’t expect any less. A musical prodigy from the very beginning, Joshua Bell has long been one of the most celebrated violinists of our time. His story is the stuff of legend, first bursting onto the scene at just 14 years old, performing a highly acclaimed debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
From there, his meteoric rise included a Carnegie Hall debut, the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, and a recording contract that solidified his place among the all-time greats. Over the years, he has played with every major orchestra across the globe, and his longstanding relationship with the San Francisco Symphony has made him a true audience favorite. It’s easy to see why he’s considered one of the best.
Bell’s performance wasn’t just technically flawless. It was passionate, commanding, and filled with an undeniable charisma that had the audience hanging on every note. His signature style, a perfect blend of fire and finesse, was on full display throughout the evening. Whether leading ASMF in a soaring symphonic passage or trading exquisite phrases with a promising young soloist, he brought a depth of emotion and masterful artistry that made each piece feel alive.
But this wasn’t just about one man’s brilliance. It was about the extraordinary chemistry between Bell, ASMF, and the SFCM students, all coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. From the sweeping storytelling of Scheherazade to the intricate beauty of Bach’s concerto, the night unfolded like a musical odyssey, drawing the audience deeper and deeper into its spell.
As the final notes rang through Davies Symphony Hall, the standing ovation was instant and well-earned. It was a night of pure, unfiltered musical excellence, where masters and rising stars shared the stage as equals, proving that classical music is anything but static—it’s alive, evolving, and utterly thrilling.
We can’t wait to see what Joshua Bell and ASMF have in store for us next.
For more info on the San Francisco Symphony, visit: www.sfsymphony.org
