Violinist set to perform in Abravanel

Internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso Ida Haendel will join the Orchestra at Temple Square for a concert on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Abravanel Hall.

Haendel and the orchestra will perform Bach's Concerto in D Minor for two violins, Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola and Bruch's Concerto No. 1 in G Minor for violin and orchestra. Igor Gruppman is conducting.

Free tickets are available at the Conference Center ticket office (door 4) or at www.LDS.org (click on "Temple Square Events" on the right side of the home page). Tickets are limited to those 8 and older.

Born and raised in Poland, Haendel first displayed her talent at the age of 3, when she picked up her sister's violin and played, without instruction, a song her mother was singing. In 1991, Queen Elizabeth bestowed upon her the highly esteemed recognition of Commander of the British Empire.

Conductor Gruppman will join Haendel as the second violinist for the opening Bach number. For the Mozart sinfonia, Haendel will be joined by Vesna Gruppman, Igor's wife, who will play the viola.

In addition to the performance, the public is invited to a free two-hour master class featuring Haendel and the Gruppmans on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the mezzanine-level chapel of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.