Matt Haimovitz is not your everyday cellist. His resume includes performances with every major orchestra, but his choice of venues include nightclubs, bars, coffee houses, and a stop at CBCG. He is known for his performances of contemporary pieces, and his MySpace page showcases interpretations of Bach and Led Zeppelin.

This classical pick actually takes place next Sunday, featuring two world premieres, a west coast premiere, and the Ligeti Cello Concerto. Ligeti was considered Stanley Kubrick's favorite living composer, and was best known for his work in the Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey (not the sunrise music, that's Richard Strauss). His cello concerto (like most of his works) is technically demanding (even though the cellist only plays two or three notes in the first movement), and is the highlight of the program featuring premieres of works by Theofanidis, Dankner, and Askim.

Matt Haimovitz and the Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra
Sunday, May 11th, 2008, 7 PM
Redcat @ the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Photo from Matt Haimovitz's MySpace page