Violinists sub on opening night

Violinists Joshua Bell and Yesong Sophie Lee will perform in the Richmond Symphony’s Sept. 14 opening-night gala, replacing pianist Lang Lang, who has withdrawn from the symphony engagement for medical reasons.

Bell will be the soloist in Lalo’s “Symphonie espagnole,” and will be joined by Lee in Bach’s Concerto in D minor, BWV 1043, for two violins and orchestra.

The program also will feature Richard Strauss’ “Ein Heldenleben” and Ulysses Kay’s “Theater Set (Overture) for Orchestra.”

Bell, who last performed with the symphony in 2014, is one of the most popular classical artists on the current scene. He also has been music director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields since 2011. Lee, a 13-year-old from Seattle, is the winner of last year’s Menuhin International Violin Competition.

Lang Lang withdrew from performances in April due to an inflammation in his left arm. The pianist had hoped to return to performing over the summer.

For more information on the change of artists and programming, contact the Richmond Symphony’s patron services desk at (804) 788-1212.