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February 14, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Experience the grandeur of two evening of classical music at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s American Virtuosi performances! On March 30th, enjoy an awe-inspiring American Virtuosi concert featuring classical music selections. Then, on March 31st, take part in the American Virtuosi Gala, featuring a four-course wine dinner prepared by Chefs Mike and Karen Gavala followed by a classical music performance from the masters. Both evenings feature violinist Peter Winograd, violist Jim Griffith, cellist Andres Díaz, and pianist Wendy Chen, plus special guests violinist Anton Miller, violist Rita Porfiris, and French horn player Ryan Little. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
 
The American Virtuosi Concert and the American Virtuosi Gala invite audiences to experience two moving chamber music performances in the Grand Atrium inside the gorgeous Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The music begins on Friday with the American Virtuosi Concert. It’s here that audiences can enjoy the opening night performances. Then, on Saturday, savor a four-course dinner paired with select wines and prepared by Chefs Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering at the American Virtuosi Gala. Proceeds from the American Virtuosi Gala benefit the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Eclectic Education programs.
 
Musicians featured in the American Virtuosi Concert and the American Virtuosi Gala are some of the most accomplished performers in their field. Peter Winograd was a top prizewinner in the 1988 Naumburg International Violin Competition. He then made his New York debut to critical acclaim and has since appeared as a guest soloist with numerous orchestras and in recital across the country and abroad. Jim Griffith formerly served as principal violist of the New York Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and the New York Virtuosi. Currently, he is enjoying his twenty-ninth season as violist in the Naples Philharmonic. Andres Díaz won First Prize in the 1986 Naumburg International Cello Competition. Plus, he was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and was nominated for a 2009 Latin Grammy. Wendy Chen became the youngest winner ever of the National Chopin Competition, and was one of the inaugural recipients of the Irving S. Gilmore Young Artists Award.
 
The American Virtuosi performances will also feature special guests Anton Miller, Rita Porfiris, and Ryan Little. Anton Miller has been concertmaster for a number of orchestras including almost thirty years with Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. He was also concertmaster for an Argentinian tour of the American Ballet Theatre. Rita Porfiris has been the subject of articles and interviews in media across the globe including the New York Times, the NBC Nightly News, NPR, PBS, and the BBC. She has performed in major concert halls and music festivals worldwide and as a soloist has appeared with numerous orchestras. Ryan Little is the new principal horn in the Naples Philharmonic. Little received his Master of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2017 where he studied with William VerMeulen of the Houston Symphony.
 
American Virtuosi Concert
Friday, March 30, 2018
Performance: 8pm | Cocktails: 7pm
Tickets: GA – $35 in Advance | $40 Day of Concert
For tickets and info, visit www.sbdac.com
 
American Virtuosi Gala
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Cocktails: 6pm • Dinner: 7pm • Concert: 8pm
Tickets: $125 • Table for 8: $900
For tickets and info, visit www.sbdac.com.
 
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About the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: Founded in 1997 by Jim Griffith as Florida Arts, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center provides programming to Southwest Florida, which includes concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibits, dance, independent film, cotillion, and arts education. The Art Center regularly recruits award-winning artists who have performed worldwide at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Its mission is to nurture innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts through these events and community outreach programs.
Angela Page
Studio & Marketing Manager
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
[email protected] | 239.333.1933
SBDAC.com
 

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