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Joshua Bell will wow concertgoers during the Laguna Beach Music Festival.

Ring My Bell!

by Wendy Bowman-Littler | Riviera Orange County magazine | January 27, 2012

When February rolls around, Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell usually finds himself in the midst of a hectic touring schedule—popping from one place to the next, playing a concert every day. But this year is a little different. He’s departing from his typical bustling itinerary and settling down for a week in the scenic beachtown of Laguna, where he’s playing tunes with the likes of acclaimed double-bassist composer Edgar Meyer (one of Bell’s oldest friends), educating some atypical concertgoers about the fun side of classical music and seeking out a few good restaurants—notably, the best sushi spots. But most important of all, Bell is stepping in as guest artistic director and headliner of the 10th annual Laguna Beach Music Festival, taking place Feb. 6-12.

“Staying in one place for five days [he arrives Wednesday] is an eternity,” says Bell during a recent phone interview from his home base of New York. “To settle down in… a beautiful location is very appealing, especially in February.”

Bell, who recently made his 30th appearance at Carnegie Hall and is billed as the “classical music superstar,” first came to national attention at age 14 and has since established himself as a top soloist, chamber musician, orchestra leader and composer. At 44, he has recorded more than 36 CDs, including the just-released French Impressions with pianist Jeremy Denk.

Snagging Bell, whose touring schedule is already booked three years out, is a coup for the festival, the product of a partnership between the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Beach Live! But in 2009, the late O.C. philanthropist Ed Halvajian presented the philharmonic with a sizeable grant that made attracting big-name artists such as Bell possible. And now, the city long recognized for its visual arts is becoming known for its affinity for music, as well.

More than 10 artists—hailing from here to New York—are among this year’s roster of performers, who are playing everything from Bach to bluegrass at venues as big as the Laguna Playhouse (the city’s largest concert site, with 400 seats) to smaller spots like the Hotel Laguna, Laguna Art Museum and Aliso Creek Inn. “If you’ve ever wanted to know how a musician works, this is the place,” says Sandy Robertson, the festival’s managing director. “It’s very informal; you really get to see and hear what’s going on and watch the interaction between the musicians.”

In addition to the concert series, a Meet the Artists salon, several educational events and master classes for local students are planned. One highlight, in particular: a private performance by Bell and his accompanying pianist Sam Haywood, and dinner at a Laguna Beach residence, benefiting the festival’s outreach and education programs. (A complete schedule of events and ticket information can be viewed online at lagunabeachmusicfestival.‌com.)

Among the most anticipated performers: L.A.’s Calder Quartet, named the festival’s Emerging Artists 10 years ago, who now perform with indie rock bands like The Airborne Toxic Event; and The Calidore String Quartet, featured as this year’s Emerging Artists, from the Colburn School in L.A. (And they’ve already won a major national competition.)

“I go back to all the big cities regularly every year, and this will be something new,” says Bell. “That’s exciting on its own, but being there with friends and making music together is something I’m really looking forward to. … It will be a fun and joyful atmosphere.”