New York City - Over 250 friends and supporters of Education Through Music (ETM) gathered at ETM’s Eighth Annual Children’s Benefit Gala at The Waldorf=Astoria’s Starlight Roof in Manhattan.  The evening honored Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell for his longtime support of ETM and music education.  Bell, who received a special introduction from New York 1’s Budd Mishkin, performed two solo pieces for Gala guests on his world-famous 1713 Gibson ex Huberman Stradivarius.  The evening benefited Education Through Music’s partner schools, and was chaired by Karen Karlsrud.

Gala guests were treated to an additional performance by Bell of “Yankee Doodle Boy,” accompanied by violin and cello students from ETM’s New York City partner schools.  For the ETM students from St. Clare, St. Ann, Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary, PS 68 and PS 69, performing with Bell was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  The Honors Chorus from PS 76 also performed selections from the musical “The Castaways.” 

Bell, who received his first violin at age four, came to
national attention at age 14 in his orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra.  In between CD recordings and performances at top international venues, Bell’s number one priority is introducing, sharing and encouraging children to appreciate classical music.  Bell has been involved with ETM since 2003 and has served as an ETM Advisory Committee Member since 2004.