Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, Musical America’s 2012 Musicians of the Year, rank among the most esteemed and influential classical musicians in the world today. The talent, energy, imagination and dedication they bring to their multifaceted endeavors as concert performers, recording artists, educators, artistic administrators, and cultural entrepreneurs go unmatched.

In high demand year after year among chamber music audiences worldwide, the duo has appeared each season at the most prestigious venues and concert series across the United States and around the world to unanimous critical acclaim. For 34 years, David Finckel served as cellist of the Grammy Award-winning Emerson String Quartet.

The duo’s wide-ranging musical innovations also include classical music’s first musician-directed and Internet-based recording company, ArtistLed, whose catalog of 16 albums has won widespread critical acclaim.

Newtown Friends of Music is pleased to present the duo for their 2014-15 season opening concert, on the stage of Edmond Town Hall Auditorium on Sunday, September 28, at 3 pm.

Finckel and Han appeared Newtown Friends of Music for the first time in 1985, when they emerged as competition winners. The Friends of Music Program Committee engaged them on the spot.

The duo returned the following year, and has since gone on to become esteemed and admired musicians. Newtown Friends of Music is extremely pleased that it was possible to re-engage them at this stage in their career.

The duo’s repertoire spans virtually the entire literature for cello and piano, with equal emphasis on the classics and contemporaries. The program for September 28 will feature works by Strauss, Albeniz, Messiaen, Glazunov, and Chopin.

Single tickets for this performance are $25, cash or check only. Students K-12 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Students with valid College ID are also welcome for free.

Tickets may be purchased in advance by sending check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Newtown Friends of Music, PO Box 295, Newtown CT 06470-0295. Tickets will be reserved on a first come/first served basis. , advance reservations are strongly recommended.  

Remaining tickets will be sold at the town hall’s box office, which will open at 2 pm the afternoon of the concert.

Parking is free behind Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, and the facility is handicap accessible. An informal reception following the concert will offer concert goers the opportunity to meet and mingle with the musicians.

For information regarding this and other concerts, including artists and their planned programs, and to print out an order form, visit newtownfriendsofmusic.org. Information about the Friends of Music School Outreach Programs and reviews of past concerts are also available online.

Call 203-426-6470 for additional information.