Autumn Classics in Ketchikan: Zuill Bailey Play Bach's Cello Suites

Grammy-winning cellist Zuill Bailey returns to Ketchikan for the second year, bringing his masterful interpretation of Bach's Cello Suites to the stage. Performing on a 1693 Mateo Gofriller cello made during Bach's lifetime, Bailey's rendition of these timeless works is imbued with a profound historical connection, making this performance even more meaningful.

As one of the most celebrated cellists of our time, Zuill Bailey has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional artistry and technical prowess. His performances have garnered widespread acclaim, with The New York Times praising his "virtuosic skill" and The Washington Post lauding his "emotional depth and expressive nuance."

This concert is part of the Sitka Music Festival, Alaska’s premier classical music presenter. Founded in 1972, the festival brings Grammy winners and highly acclaimed classical musicians to perform across the state in unique and inspiring settings. Beyond its summer series, the festival offers year-round programming, including concerts, educational outreach, and special events throughout Alaska.

Dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Alaskans, the Sitka Music Festival also plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of musicians through its educational initiatives and community engagement.Don't miss this opportunity to experience a world-class performance by one of classical music's most distinguished artists in the beautiful setting of Ketchikan.

Program:

J.S. Bach's Cello Suites

Zuill Bailey, widely considered one of the premiere cellists in the world, is a Grammy Award winning, internationally renowned soloist, recitalist, Artistic Director and teacher.  His rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has made him one of the most sought after and active cellists today.Mr. Bailey has been featured with symphony orchestras and music festivals worldwide.  He won the Best Solo Performance Grammy Award in 2017, for his recording of  Michael Daugherty’s “Tales of Hemingway,” with the Nashville Symphony led by Giancarlo Guerrero.  His extensive discography includes his newest release – the world premier recording of Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Cello Concerto with the Santa Rosa Symphony. In 2021 he released his second recording of the Bach Cello Suites for PS Audio’s Octave Records label, recorded and mixed in stereo and multichannel sound.He appeared in a recurring role on the HBO series “Oz,” and has been heard on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “Tiny Desk Concert,” “Performance Today,” “Saint Paul Sunday,” BBC’s  “In Tune,” XM Radio’s “Live from Studio II,” Sirius Satellite Radio’s “Virtuoso Voices,” and his latest disc of Bach Suites was the disc of the week on Sirius’ Symphony Hall.Mr. Bailey received his Bachelor’s Degree from the Peabody Conservatory where he was named the 2014 Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Alumni, and received a Master’s Degree from the Juilliard School.  He performs on the “rosette” 1693 Matteo Gofriller Cello formerly owned by Mischa Schneider of the Budapest String Quartet.He is the Artistic Director of El Paso Pro-Musica (Texas), the Sitka Summer Music Festival/Series and Cello Seminar, (Alaska), Juneau Jazz and Classics, (Alaska), the Northwest Bach Festival (Washington),  Classical Inside Out Series- Mesa Arts Center (Arizona) and is Director of the Center for Arts Entrepreneurship and Professor of Cello at the University of Texas at El Paso.