Global Instruments, Local Hands

Evansville Arts Coalition is pleased to host world-touring artist Michael Ward-Bergeman bringing his collection of instruments

gathered from cultures around the globe to Evansville Arts Center for one immersive evening on Friday, September 18.

See the collection up close and play alongside the artist in the first half, then after intermission, settle in for a full concert performance.

According to the New York Philharmonic website: “Michael Ward-Bergeman is a performer, songwriter, and composer whose work draws on a wide range of musical traditions. As an accordionist, he has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Gustavo Santaolalla, and leading orchestras throughout North America. He has served as a visiting artist at institutions including Harvard University, Oberlin Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music and appeared with the New York Philharmonic on PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center. Ward-Bergeman’s compositions have been commissioned by Carnegie Hall and the Silk Road Ensemble. His arrangement and performance of St. James Infirmary Blues with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble appeared on their Grammy Award–winning album Sing Me Home. Ward-Bergeman’s current projects include Ritmo Machino, an accordion / percussion collaboration with Jamey Haddad and Cyro Baptista; Center of the River, an Americana art-music ensemble; Triad, a trumpet–marimba–accordion trio; Touki, a world-music collective; and a collaboration with Iranian kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor.”

This is a rare opportunity to see, hear, and touch instruments from around the world, guided by an artist who has spent his career collecting them.

Tickets are intentionally limited to support this immersive experience.

Tickets are $28 and may be purchased here.

The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.