Violinist Daniel Hope to Perform at Hahn Hall, 7/5

Virtuoso violinist Daniel Hope - described as "adventurous and brilliant" by The New York Times and "a force to be reckoned with" by Gramophone - will lead a chamber orchestra of Academy faculty and Fellows in a program of works by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Alfred Schnittke, Erwin Schulhoff, and Max Richter beginning at 8 pm on Saturday, July 5, in Hahn Hall. Mr. Hope will lead from the violin in performances of Biber's Passacaglia, Schnittke's A Paganini, Schulhoff's Solo Sonata, and Mr. Richter's enthralling Recomposed: Vivaldi's Four Seasons - a reimagining of the well-known Baroque masterpiece. Tickets cost $50.

Described by The New York Times as "a violinist of probing intellect and commanding style," Mr. Hope has toured the world as a virtuoso soloist for many years, and was the youngest-ever member of the Beaux Arts Trio during its final six seasons. He is celebrated for his musical versatility and creativity, and for his dedication to humanitarian causes. Mr. Hope appears as a soloist with the world's major orchestras and conductors, directs many ensembles from the violin, and plays chamber music in a wide variety of traditional and new venues. Born in South Africa and raised and educated in England, he earned degrees at the Royal Academy of Music.

An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2007, Mr. Hope has earned numerous Grammy nominations, a Classical BRIT award, the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis, and five consecutive ECHO Klassik Prizes. His most recent CD, The Romantic Violinist: A Celebration of Joseph Joachim, pays tribute to the great 19th-century Austro-Hungarian violin virtuoso who was a friend and trusted collaborator of Brahms.

Beyond the concert stage, Mr. Hope has penned three books published in Germany: Familienstücke (Family Album); his best-selling memoir, Wann darf ich klatschen? (When Do I Applaud?); and Toi, Toi, Toi. His writing credits also include An Audience with Beethoven for Mia Farrow, and Forbidden Music, which presents poetry and music written by prisoners at Theresienstadt concentration camp.

Writing in The New York Times, critic Steve Smith observed, "In a business that likes tidy boxes drawn around its commodities, the British violinist Daniel Hope resists categorization. Mr. Hope, a compelling performer whose work involves standard repertory, new music, raga, and jazz, emphasizes thoughtful engagement over flamboyant display. In his most personal undertakings, he puts classical works within a broader context - not just among other styles and genres but amid history, literature, and drama - to emphasize music's role as a mirror for struggle and aspiration."

Mr. Hope is among this year's Mosher Guest Artists, whose Summer Festival residencies are generously funded by the Samuel B. and Margaret C. Mosher Foundation. Rounding out the Academy's roster of Mosher Guest Artists for 2014 are contemporary chamber music ensemble eighth blackbird, pianist Jonathan Biss, and soprano Deborah Voigt. Inaugurated in 2011, the Mosher program enables the Music Academy to host four stellar guest artists each season for public masterclasses, performances, and private interaction with Academy Fellows. As part of his residency, Mr. Hope will lead a special violin masterclass at 1 pm July 4 in Hahn Hall. Tickets for that event cost $13 ($12 for seniors and students).

For tickets and information, call 805.969.8787. Free parking is available on the Music Academy campus at 1070 Fairway Road in Santa Barbara. Information is also available online at www.musicacademy.org.

The Music Academy's 67th season also will include a new production of Georges Bizet's popular opera Carmen as well as the Academy debut of New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert's 2014 residency under a new multiyear partnership with the Philharmonic will include conducting members of the Academy Festival Orchestra at the Lobero Theatre on July 26. Additional season highlights will include performances by cellist Joshua Roman and pianists Jeremy Denk and Stephen Hough, as well as conducting turns by Thomas Adès, James Gaffigan, Edward Gardner, Larry Rachleff, and Joshua Weilerstein. Featuring the Academy's exceptionally talented Fellows, together with illustrious guest performers and faculty, the events will be presented in venues throughout Santa Barbara.

Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy began broadcasting live, high-definition simulcasts by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org or www.facebook.com/MusicAcademyoftheWest.

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