6:00 pm Cocktail Hour
Craft Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
7:00 pm ExSTRAD-vaganza Concert
with Music Director, Valentina Peleggi & 8 Guest Artists
performing on Stradivari Violins.
8:30 pm Dinner & Gala Program
Special Thanks! We extend our deepest gratitude to the Gala Committee, whose tireless efforts helped create an unforgettable evening. We are especially grateful to our Spotlight Society for their early commitment and continued support. The contributions of this community are essential in making Richmond a vibrant hub for the arts. |
ONE UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND
Antonio Stradivari is almost universally regarded as the greatest violin maker in history and the value and reputation of his instruments reflect that to this day. Many great mysteries surround Stradivari and his career: When was he actually born? Where did he study to become a luthier? Was he a carpenter first, or did he truly study under another great violin-maker, Nicolò Amati? And what is it that makes a Stradivari violin incomparable to others? One thing is for certain though, that Stradivari’s craftmanship has withstood the test of time thanks to his innovative practices which imbued his instruments with an unrivaled sonic palette. His interpretation of geometry and design for the violin, and trademark “Long Pattern” violin form, revolutionized the tone and resonance of violins forever and has served as a conceptual model for violin makers for more than 250 years. Current estimates indicate that Stradivari (with the help of his sons) made more than 1,100 instruments total – including harps, cellos, guitars, violas, and more – and roughly 650 remain in existence today. The following surviving violins (and their current stewards) will be present at Strad Fest: |
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Itzhak Perlman on the 1714  William Hagen on the 1732 “Arkwright Lady Rebecca Sylvan” This violin from - Stradivari’s later period - has passed through the hands of some distinguished musicians and collectors. Owners have included the 19th century Italian cellist and pedagogue Alfredo Piatti, and collector John Hungerford Arkwright, Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, in Victorian-era England, after whom the violin was originally named. |
 Itzhak Perlman on the 1714 “Soil” StradivariusOne of Stradivari’s finest - crafted during the pinnacle of his career, the Golden Period - this violin has been played by some of the most significant violinists of modern times, including Yehudi Menuhin and Perlman himself. The instrument has changed ownership over the centuries and is named after its third owner, Amédée Soil, a Belgian industrialist and collector. |
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Daniel Dastoor on the 1700  Emma Meinrenken on the 1717 “Windsor-WeinsteinThis Windsor-Weinstein was made in 1717 and has been in the possession of several collectors and noted violinists, coming into the possession of Julliard professor and one-time Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster and soloist Sascha Jacobsen. In 1943, Jacobsen sold the violin, to Missouri violinist Paul Fite. Eventually, the Stradivarius came into the possession of Leon E. Weinstein in 1961, for whom it has been dubbed. This violin has previously been loaned to noted soloists James Ehnes and Timothy Chooi. Emma Meinrenken Biography: https://emmameinrenken.com. |
Antonio Stradivari of Cremona, 1685, known as the “ex-Jean Becker”
Built in 1685 by the master luthier Antonio Stradivari, the “ex-Jean Becker” is a violin celebrated for its exceptional tonal quality. This instrument was later owned by Jean Becker, a prominent 19th-century violinist whose performances were praised across Europe. The “ex-Jean Becker” has become a symbol of the profound artistry of Stradivari’s early work, characterized by a rich, powerful sound that continues to captivate audiences.
Antonio Stradivari of Cremona, circa 1685-7, known as the “Figueroa”
Crafted around 1685-1687, the “Figueroa” Stradivarius exemplifies the elegance and precision of Antonio Stradivari’s craftsmanship. This violin is known for its balanced tone and remarkable clarity, making it a favored instrument for virtuosos. Over the centuries, it has passed through the hands of numerous distinguished musicians, solidifying its place in the pantheon of Stradivarius masterpieces.
Antonio Stradivari of Cremona, 1726, known as the “ex-Hilton”
The “ex-Hilton” Stradivarius, made in 1726, represents the mature period of Antonio Stradivari’s career. Renowned for its warm, resonant sound, this violin was once owned by the celebrated British collector and philanthropist, Hilton. The instrument’s rich history and exceptional playability make it a prized possession in the world of classical music.
Antonio Stradivari of Cremona, 1727, known as the “ex-Gillott”
Created in 1727, the “ex-Gillott” is a testament to Antonio Stradivari’s unparalleled craftsmanship during his late period. This violin, once owned by the eminent collector Joseph Gillott, is admired for its brilliant, expressive tone. The “ex-Gillott” continues to be revered by musicians and collectors alike, embodying the enduring legacy of Stradivari’s genius.
STRADFEST
THE ART OF EVOLUTION OF EXSTRADVAGANZA STRAD FEST | AFTERNOON WITH CINEMA SERENADE SPONSORS
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Lewis T. Booker Chair
Valentina Peleggi has been Music Director of the Richmond Symphony since the 20/21 season and recently renewed her contract to Summer 2028. While focusing on developing the orchestra’s sound she has also launched new concert formats, joined national co-commission partnerships, and started a composer-in-residence programme and conducting masterclasses.
Peleggi’s guest appearances in North America have included the Chicago, Dallas, Baltimore, New World, Kansas City and Colorado symphonies. In 24/25 she debuts with the Indianapolis, Pacific and Vancouver symphonies, as well as the London Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony, and returns to the Residentie Orkest, Liege Philharmonic and Opera North. Previous European guest visits include the Royal Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Ulster Orchestra and Brussels Philharmonic.
Opera is a vital part of Peleggi’s activity. In May 2024 she made a hugely successful debut at Seattle Opera with Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and will conduct Rossini’s Semiramide at the Opera de Rouen in 2025. She has previously conducted Le Comte Ory with the Philharmonia Orchestra at Garsington Opera, and made her Opéra de Lyon debut with Piazzola’s Maria de Buenos Aires.
2021 saw the release of her first CD (Naxos), performing with the São Paulo Symphony Chorus. While acting Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Chorus, she was concurrently Resident Conductor of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.
Peleggi graduated with Distinction at the Royal Academy of Music of London. She furthered her studies with David Zinman and Daniele Gatti at the Zurich Tonhalle and the Royal Concertgebouw and has received numerous prizes and scholarships, including the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship 2015-2017 under Marin Alsop. Peleggi also holds a Master in Conducting with Honours from the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia in Rome, going on to assist Bruno Campanella and Gianluigi Gelmetti.
Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for making music.
Having performed with every major orchestra and at concert halls around the globe, Mr. Perlman was granted a Presidential Medal of Freedom – the Nation’s highest civilian honor – by President Obama in 2015, a National Medal of Arts by President Clinton in 2000, and a Medal of Liberty by President Reagan in 1986. Mr. Perlman has been honored with 16 GRAMMY® Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Genesis Prize.
In the 2023/24 season, Mr. Perlman brings his iconic PBS special In the Fiddler’s House program to San Francisco, Houston, Bethesda and Palm Beach, joined by today’s klezmer stars including Hankus Netsky, Andy Statman and members of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. His orchestral engagements include play/conduct programs with the Houston Symphony on Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Charleston Symphony on Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony as well as a series of concerto and conducting appearances with the Israel Philharmonic. He continues touring An Evening with Itzhak Perlman, which captures highlights of his career through narrative and multi-media elements intertwined with performance, with dates in Newark, Dallas, Costa Mesa and Stony Brook. He plays recitals across North America including Toronto, Los Angeles and Portland with longtime collaborator Rohan De Silva.
He currently serves as Artistic Partner of the Houston Symphony in a partnership that commenced in the 2020/21 season and culminates at the end of 2023/24. He performs 9 programs across three seasons that feature him in versatile appearances as conductor, soloist, recitalist and presenter.
Mr. Perlman has an exclusive series of classes with Masterclass.com, the premier online education company that enables access to the world’s most brilliant minds including Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Helen Mirren, Jodie Foster and Serena Williams, as the company’s first classical-music presenter.
2024 SEPTEMBER 13 | FRI 7:00 pm | Carpenter Theatre
violin 1 violin 2 | viola cello bass |
2024 SEPTEMBER 13 | FRI 7:00 pm | Carpenter Theatre
Valentina Peleggi | Conductor | Emma Meinreken | violin Julian Rhee | violin Adé Williams | violin Daisuke Yamamoto | violin |
Vivaldi (1678 – 1741) | The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, Op. 8 | |
Piazzolla (1921 – 1992) | Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas |
2024 SEPTEMBER 14 | SAT 1:00 pm | Gottwald Playhouse
Bologne, Chevalier | Duo for Two Violins Daisuke Yamamoto | |
Telemann | Concerto for Four Violins No.2 in D Major | |
Michael Abels (1962 –) | Violin Duel on Mozart Julian Rhee | |
Prokofiev (1891 – 1953) Movements 1 & 2: | Sonata for Two Violins, Op. 56 I. Andante Cantible Movements 3 & 4: | |
Shostakovich
| Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano Movements 3, 4, 5: | |
Prokofiev (1891 – 1953) | Love for Three Oranges Julian Rhee | |
Mozart | Twinkle, Twinkle You Big Star | |
Traditional | Danny Boy | |
Kachaturian | Sabre Dance Daisuke Yamamoto | |
2024 SEPTEMBER 14 | SAT 5:00 pm | Carpenter Theatre
violin 1 violin 2 viola cello | bass flute clarinet |
2024 SEPTEMBER 14 | SAT 5:00 pm | Carpenter Theatre
Strauss (1864 – 1949) | Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 | |
Wagner (1813 – 1883) | Ride of the Valkyries | |
Barber (1910 – 1981) | Adagio for Strings | |
Rossini (1792 – 1868) | William Tell: Overture | |
INTERMISSION | ||
Hupfeld (1894 – 1951) | “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca | |
Morricone (1928 – 2020) | “Love Theme” from Cinema Paradiso | |
John Williams (1932 – ) | Main Theme from Far and Away | |
Barry (1933 – 2011) | Main Title from Out of Africa | |
Korngold (1897 – 1957) | “Marian’s Theme” from Robin Hood | |
John Williams (1932 – ) | Theme from Sabrina | |
John Williams (1932 – ) | Theme from Schindler’s List | |
| Gardel (1890 – 1935) | “Tango” from Scent of a Woman | |
The appearance of Itzhak Perlman is made possible by
Endeavour Legacy Foundation.
