In his last visit to Williamsburg, world-renowned cellist Zuill Bailey took the Kimball Stage as guest soloist of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra.
Bailey returns Wednesday – not to a concert venue, but a slightly more intimate setting.
The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra League will feature Bailey in a fundraising dinner concert on May 11, the league’s major fundraiser of the season.
Bailey has appeared in Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and soloed with symphony orchestras from Los Angeles to Israel. He’s a successful recording artist, and you may even have seen Bailey on television, including HBO’s “Oz.”
“We’re very excited to have Zuill here,” said Paul Try, the league’s vice president. “He wants to support the activities that the Symphony has.”
Bailey values musical outreach and education. During his last visit to Williamsburg, he conducted a cello masterclass for local students.
“He does a lot for children,” Try said. “He sees that the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra League also does a lot for children.”
That was one reason for Bailey’s support, Try said. The league’s educational programs include masterclasses with guest musicians, “Meet the Musicians” and “Instruction Coaching” from professional musicians to Williamsburg-James City County students and “Instruments for Kids,” loaning instruments to students who otherwise can’t afford them.
On Wednesday, Bailey’s performance includes a special duet with violinist Akemi Takayama, concertmaster of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. Interestingly, Zuill’s cello was built in 1693, the year of William and Mary’s charter.
The evening also features dinner, as well as a live auction, raffle and paddle raise.
As an arm of the orchestra, the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra League provides volunteers and funding.
“The ticket sales alone can’t support the symphony,” Try said. “The funds we raise go to the operation of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, and these various programs.”
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
For more information
“An Intimate Evening with Zuill Bailey”
When: 6 p.m., May 11
Where: Two Rivers Country Club, 1400 Two Rivers Road
Tickets: $110, contact Marie Knuettel at 259-2313 or marieknuettel@gmail.com
