Soloists Shine

Two chamber ensembles with brilliant soloists doing double duty as conductors made for some agreeable listening recently in bookend concerts in San Francisco. Leading British violinist Daniel Hope brought the New Century Chamber Orchestra and Zurich Chamber Orchestra together last Friday at Herbst Theatre. American superstar Joshua Bell warmed Davies Symphony Hall the prior Sunday with the renowned Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

Both virtuosos have fame in their own right, but have solidified their careers by joining with accomplished orchestras in mutually beneficial partnerships. Neither the celebrated ASMF and Joshua Bell really needed each other to carry on, nor the established NCCO and Daniel Hope, but the successful combinations of artistic excellence and show-business savvy guarantee continued audience interest and support.