The adage, ‘The best things in life are free’, is certain to be proved correct on June 6 when the Stewart Strings Advanced Performance Ensemble from Naples, Florida makes its Bermuda debut with two exciting performances.

The first will be at noon on the steps of City Hall, and the second will be a gala concert at Wesley Methodist Church at 7 pm.

The visiting violin and viola students range in age from 11 to 18, most of whom have been studying from the age four or five. Many have won regional competitions, including the Naples Philharmonic Concerto competition, the Bach Festival, the Young Artists Awards, and the Naples Music Club scholarship competition. Most are members of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Symphonia.

The talented young musicians are led by violinist Joan Stewart, who is eagerly looking forward to revisiting the island she loves. A former member of the Bermuda School of Music (BSM) faculty, Mrs Stewart taught there from 1991 to 2001. She also performed several times with fellow BSM teacher Jennifer Sheridan.

“I loved living in Bermuda,” Mrs Stewart said. “Since moving away I always speak very fondly of its beauty and its people. My husband was in the diving industry, and our son Aaron was born in Bermuda. I can’t wait to see many of my old students again, who are now all grown up. Some are married with children of their own.”

Stewart Strings Advanced Performance Ensemble concerts are not only known for their excellence, but also for providing the technically advanced and highly dedicated students with invaluable experience, as well as instilling a sense of pride and teamwork among their peers.

The spectrum of the Ensemble’s repertoire is wide-ranging, and includes virtuosic works by such composers as Vivaldi and Kreisler — as will be demonstrated in its gala concert at Wesley on June 6.

The programme will include classical and contemporary music, with something for everyone. It will open with Rodriguez’ La Cumparsita, and end with the traditional Fiddle Tune. In between, De Falla’s Dance Espagnole, Severn’s Polish Dance, and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor will blend happily with Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, Cold Play’s Viva la Vida, and Jason’s I’m Yours, to name but a few.

Admission to the concert is free, but a $10 donation is suggested.

The Stewart Ensemble will also perform during the Suzuki Gala Concert on Sunday, June 8. This takes place in the Warwick Academy hall at 4pm, and will showcase all of Bermuda’s Suzuki students. Admission for adults and children is $2, with children under two and performers admitted free.