When James Ehnes was learning the violin in his native Canada, there was little live influence from the masters. Itzhak Perlman and Fritz Kreisler were studied from the speakers of a cassette player.
“The great violinists didn?t make detours to Brandon [Manitoba],” he said. “Recordings were essential to my artistic development. Perhaps one day, my own recordings will influence other people.”
Today, the 30-year-old artist does both ? he tours and records. And this weekend, he will debut with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the seasoned baton of Maestro Günther Herbig.
Called by The Daily Telegraph “one of the most gifted and sincerely expressive artists to have emerged in recent times,” Ehnes has performed with some of the world?s most renowned conductors, appearing with orchestras and in recital throughout Europe, Asia and North America. His CBC recordings with L?Orchestre symphonique de Montreal of Max Bruch?s “Concertos nos. 1 and 3” and “Concerto no. 2” with the Scottish Fantasy won back-to-back Juno awards in 2001 and 2002.
A favorite with Baltimore audiences, Gunther Herbig?s conducting career has been equally distinguished in both Europe and North America. He has made nearly 40 recordings with the leading East German Orchestras and has recent releases with the BBC Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The evening?s repertoire features Mozart?s overture to “The Marriage of Figaro,” and Ehnes? performance of Mozart?s “Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Major, K. 211.” The program also includes the passionate “Symphony No. 1” of Sibelius.
Jeremy Rothman, the BSO?s vice president of artistic administration, discussed James Ehnes? well-established career and broad repertoire, noting that “he executes his repertoire at a high level.
“It?s always unique when you have Herbig?s long relationship with the BSO, and then you bring in a debut artist like Ehnes,” he said. “It?s like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. It should be a very positive experience.”
IF YOU GO
A Virtuoso Debut: Ehnes Performs Mozart
» Venue: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
» Time: 8 p.m. Thursday
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» Times: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: $25 to $78
» More info: 410-783-8000, www.baltimoresymphony.org
