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Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
- Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
- Purchase Tickets
- Jump to Program
Learn about extraordinary cellist Pablo Casals, widely recognized among the 20th century’s greatest musicians.
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Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
- Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
- Purchase Tickets
- Jump to Program
The tribute consists of intertwined cello performances by UCF Professor David Bjella and multimedia presentations by UCF historian Luis Martínez-Fernández. Professor Martínez-Fernández will lecture on the life and extraordinary accomplishments of cellist Pablo Casals (1876-1973), widely recognized among the 20th century’s greatest musicians . Casals was also a renowned composer, conductor, teacher, and international humanitarian. He recognized Johan Sebastian Bach as his greatest influence and played his works for over two hours every morning. “I need Bach at the beginning of the day almost more than I need food and water,” he once said. Professor Bjella, who studied cello under one of Casals’ disciples, will perform Bach’s works including the preludes to Suite #1 and Suite #5 for Cello and Casals’ “Song of the Birds.”
Thank You to Our Supporters
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
- The Judith and David Albertson Endowment in the Arts
- Cartwright Family Humanities & Arts Endowment
- Phil and Jane Easterling
- LIFE at UCF
- Orlando Downtown Development Board
- OUC – The Reliable One
- Women’s Club at UCF, Inc.
Thank You to Our Festival Partners
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- National Young Composers Challenge
- Orlando Family Stage
- Orlando Shakes
- Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
- UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
- UCF School of Modeling, Simulation and Training