FREEHOLD — Cellist Joshua Roman will bring his wide-ranging répertoire to the Downtown Concert Series stage on Sept. 26 at historic St. Peter’s Church, 33 Throckmorton St., Freehold.
Roman is a renowned performer and is recognized as an accomplished composer, curator and programmer, according to a press release.
The Oklahoma City native began playing the cello at the age of 3 on a quarter-size instrument and gave his first public recital at age 10. Home-schooled until he was 16, Roman then pursued his musical studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Richard Aaron. He received his bachelor’s degree in cello performance in 2004 and his master’s in 2005, as a student of Desmond Hoebig, former principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Before embarking on a solo career, Roman spent two seasons as principal cellist of the Seattle Symphony, a position he won in 2006 at the age of 22. Since that time he has appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony, the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, the New World Symphony, the Alabama Symphony and Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Ecuador, among many others, according to the press release.
Roman’s work as artistic director of Town Hall’s TownMusic Series in Seattle has showcased his eclectic musical influences and inspirations from chamber music favorites to a host of newly commissioned works. Under Roman’s guidance, the series has offered world premieres of compositions by some of today’s brightest young composers and performances by cutting-edge ensembles, according to the press release.
“We are excited to bring to our series an extraordinary musician who shares our commitment to connecting to audiences. He is the new face of classical music — completely engaging and thrilling to watch,” said Mark Hyczko, artistic director of the concert series.
Roman will be joined on stage by Grammy nominated pianist Andrius Žlabys.
Tickets are $25, and $10 for students 18 years old and younger. Seating is limited and tickets should be purchased in advance. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. A reception honoring the artists will be hosted by Investors Bank, 21 W. Main St., Freehold, following the concert.
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit DowntownConcert- Series.org or call 732-431-8383.