Superstar violinist Joshua Bell kicks off his solo recital tour in Cincinnati and brings the Constella Festival’s inaugural season to a close Tuesday at Memorial Hall. Bell is a rarity, a prodigy who survived adolescence as an acclaimed performer, emerging as one of the most creative and prolific musicians today — and good-looking, too. He has performed with every major orchestra in the world, appeared on late-night TV, collaborated with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Sting to Tiempo Libre, and is the featured soloist on the recording of John Corigliano’s Oscar-winning score for the film The Red Violin. Bell is here thanks to his friendship with Constella Artistic Director Tatiana Berman, and he’s happy to return to “one of the first places to bring me in as a soloist.” Bell’s program includes works by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Ysaye and Franck, accompanied by Sam Haywood. Bell adds that he’s “a little jealous that Tanya’s been able to start this festival. Any city that claims to have a lively arts scene needs Chamber music scene. It’s the epitome of music-making.” Following the concert, the audience is invited to a reception featuring an exhibition of local artists curated by Stewart Goldman. 8 p.m. Tuesday.
