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Unfortunately, this terrific concert that took place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Arts in Orlando, FL on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 8PM is now forever linked in my experience with the horrific tragedy that followed just a few hours after my safe return home. However, that does not diminish the enthusiastic crowd and the talent that performed onstage for two hours.

Joshua Bell, this generation’s virtuoso violinist, was infectious and his command of his instrument is nothing short of remarkable. He had the audience in the palm of his hands. His performance of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons – Spring and Summer” with backup from the Orlando Symphony Orchestra was effortless and the audience applause was deafening. He re-entered the second half of the concert with his good friend, jazz trumpet player Chris Botti. Together they played classical renditions, then Botti took over the stage with his phenomenal jazz band and rocked the house! His riffs were breathtaking, enhanced by the drum, bass and piano solos by his group. In addition, he called to the stage Orlando’s own favorite tenor, Fernando Varela, and the match was perfect.

In addition, at one point Botti stopped and asked if there were any student musicians in the audience and a few responded. The exchange led to Chris Botti noticing that two seats in the front row were empty and he told the staff to escort the boys to those coveted seats. This impromptu exchange received a warm response from the crowd. The boys were thrilled, as they should be, and shook hands with the world renowned trumpet player before they sat down. This was a concert for all ages and promoting music and the arts for future generations is what we all need to do.

If you have something you’ve seen that you would like to review, either contact us at  Holli@HolliRovenger.com or post a message for me in our private facebook group.