Though she’s only 13, pianist and composer Emily Bear has already made a name for herself. Just ask Quincy Jones, who produced Emily’s latest album, Diversity. Quincy not only hand-picked the jazz trio that accompanies Emily on the album, he also recorded it at the famed Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles where Michael Jackson recorded Bad. The Emily Bear Jazz Trio will perform at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. as part of Chamber Music Sedona’s 2014-15 season. The following afternoon, at 2:30 p.m. at the performing arts center, cellist Zuill Bailey and pianist Robert Koenig will take the stage. Bert Harclerode, chamber music’s executive director, can’t wait for the back-to-back concerts.
“Emily Bear has been on our radar for some time, and as we seek to broaden our audience base, we felt the right time was upon us,” says Bert. “It’s particularly poignant when you consider Emily’s musical friendship with Zuill Bailey, who will make a cameo during Emily’s program. Another element that drew us to Emily is her association with Quincy Jones. Her artistry and humility have captured the attention of the world and personalities including Ellen DeGeneres and many others.”
Emily plays all of her music, even 45-page concertos, from memory, and has been composing since she was 3. Emily made her concert debut at the age of 5 in Chicago, performing a 40-minute solo piece. By the age of 6, she was receiving invitations to perform at the White House. Emily lives in Illinois – where she was born – with her parents and older siblings.
Zuill made his Sedona debut in 2011 when he performed all six Bach cello suites along with four in-school concerts, a salon performance and a formal Sunday concert. Bert says audiences loved him, so CMS was eager for Zuill to return to the red rocks. “His program of Haydn, Franck and Stravinsky promises to be a treat for all music lovers,” says Bert. “The man is an incredible ambassador for music and humanity.” – By Erika Ayn Finch. Photo courtesy of Chamber Music Sedona.
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