Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell brings his musical talents to the Denison campus as the Vail Series hosts its final program for the 2003-04 season. The event is scheduled for 8 p.m., Wednesday (March 31) in Swasey Chapel. A limited number of tickets may be available for the public at $15 each. For information on ticket availability, call the Vail Hotline at (740) 587-6557.

Bell has been captivating audiences around the globe for more than 20 years. Known for his poetic musicality, he first came to national attention at age 14 when he made his highly acclaimed orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. That performance, soon followed by his Carnegie Hall debut and a recording contract, created a sensation that spread throughout the music world. Now in his mid 30s, Bell has performed with nearly every leading symphony orchestra and conductor, recorded 27 albums and earned the rare title of classical music superstar.

Bell will be accompanied by soloist and chamber musician Simon Mulligan. Since 1998, the duo has given recital tours throughout North and South America, Europe and the Far East. Their appearance together in April of this year will mark Mulligan's Carnegie Hall recital debut.

Bell joined Sony Classical in 1996, resulting in a diverse collection of albums. His most recent releases are the Mendelssohn and Beethoven violin concertos with Camerata Salzburg conducted by Sir Roger Norrington and theIrismotion picture soundtrack composed by James Horner. In 2002, his Grammy-winning recording of "West Side Story Suite," based on Leonard Bernstein's works, was spotlighted by a performance on the 44th Annual Grammy Awards telecast and also featured on the Emmy nominated 2001 PBS Great Performances special, "Joshua Bell: West Side Story Suite from Central Park."

Bell's most mainstream effort yielded the ultimate accolade during the 72nd Annual Academy Awards. Following his three-year involvement with the filmThe Red Violin, where he was responsible for all solo violin music composed by John Corigliano, the album captured the Oscar for Best Original Score. Corigliano said of Bell during his acceptance speech, "Joshua plays like a god."

Bell has been featured on numerous television programs includingThe Tonight Show, Nightline, andEvening at Popsand has been profiled in publications includingPeople Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful Peopleissue,Elle, Esquire, andVogue.

In 1989, Bell earned an artist diploma in violin performance from Indiana University, and was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Service award only two years after his graduation. He has taught master classes at London's Royal Academy of Music and has served as adjunct professor at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Media Lab, helping to develop a new generation of high-tech instruments and toys.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575