“I thought that this was a piece that needed good tunes. And also, because it’s a concerto, you have to have some fast music in there. There are parts where I’m like, ‘Okay, let’s let it rip.'”

The ensemble’s return to live performance features four programs which all will be conducted by artistic director and principal conductor Scott Speck.

World-renowned Avi Avital gives us an introduction to the mandolin, explains what makes his instrument so special, and shares his unique journey to becoming a professional mandolin player.