After jazz, country and Latin music, classical music gets a turn in White Hosue spotlight

White House ready to showcase classical music

WASHINGTON — After showcasing jazz, country and Latin music, the White House is going classical next week.

The Nov. 4 lineup for an evening concert in the East Room includes Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell, Grammy-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Awadagin Pratt.

Earlier in the day, the White House will hold music workshops on violin, cello, piano and classical guitar for 120 students from middle schools and high schools across the country.

The White House lineup for the classical events appears designed to showcase a younger and diverse selection of accomplished musicians.

For example, Pratt, 43, became the first black pianist to win the Naumburg International Piano Competition in 1992. Weilerstein, still in her 20s, is known as a premiere soloist and chamber musician of her generation. Bell is 41. Isbin, at 53, is the oldest of the four.

The day’s events also will include an afternoon workshop concert featuring the four artists. In addition, young musicians Sujari Britt and Jason Yoder will accompany Weilerstein in duets.