Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

1/28/08
Story by Peggy Graham

Cellist Plays Feb. 25 Ruel Joyce Recital

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Cellist Steven Elisha will perform at noon Monday, Feb. 25, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College, as part of the free Ruel Joyce Recital Series featuring local classical musicians.

Elisha first attracted attention at the age of 15 as a student of Luis Garcia-Renart when he gave solo performances with the Albany and Schenectady (New York) Symphonies. He received critical acclaim with his New York debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and recent premiere performance of Cry of the Dove, a cello concerto written for him by his sister, Adrienne Elisha.

As an honorary member and returned guest of the Beijing Cello Society, Elisha has extensively concertized and taught master classes in conservatories throughout mainland China. He has also performed and taught throughout Europe, Brazil, Israel, Norway and the United States. Featured appearances include solos with the Beijing Central Philharmonic and the Symphonies of Beijing, Xian, Jinan and Canton (mainland China), Toledo Symphony, Connecticut Chamber Orchestra and Cleveland Chamber Symphony.

Elisha holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Indiana University School of Music and a master’s degree in music from Yale University School of Music. He presently teaches at Washburn University as Artist in Residence. He is principal cellist with the Topeka Symphony and is director of the Topeka Youth Symphony    

Elisha has recorded for Delos and Musical Heritage Society, including a Grammy-nominated MHS recording of New England piano trios. He is currently developing a PBS pilot for his innovative Mr. Cello Stories. As a Heartland Arts Fund artist,  Elisha performs with Mots-Arté, a chamber-poetry duo, and in the Elaris Duo, with violinist Larisa Elisha.

The Ruel Joyce series continues at noon Monday in the Recital Hall with:
• March 3    Ellen Campbell, horn; JoDee Davis, trombone; Patricia Higdon, piano
• March 10    Lyra Pherigo, flute; Robert Pherigo, piano
• March 17    Selah String Quartet
• March 24    Lyric Arts Trio
• March 31    Tim Timmons, saxophone; Patricia Higdon, piano

The series is named for Ruel Joyce, a longtime jazz bassist who headed the local musicians federation from 1977 until his death in 1989. The concerts are cosponsored by the JCCC humanities and music departments, Community Services and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 913-469-8500, ext. 3605.