Historic music in a historic place

COEUR d'ALENE - The December Winter Classics Tour, in its second year, is an annual event to expand the program schedule and the geographic and cultural influence of the Northwest Bach Festival and Series, presented by Connoisseur Concerts.

The 2014 December Winter Classics Tour concerts will feature Zuill Bailey as the solo cello artist with pianist Elizabeth DeMio and will be coming to Coeur d'Alene at 5 p.m. Dec. 6.

Artistic director Zuill Bailey is widely considered one of the premier cellists in the world. His rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality have secured his place as one of the most sought-after and active cellists today.

Praised by Gramophone Magazine for his "virtuoso technique, strong, richly expressive tone and bold, individual manner of playing," Bailey is a consummate musician. He is also the artistic director of the El Paso Pro Musica Festival and Series in Texas and Sitka Summer Music Festival and Series in Alaska.

Bailey is a prolific recording artist whose releases consistently reach the top of classical billboard charts.

DeMio is on the faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music. A well-known collaborative pianist, recitalist and soloist, DeMio annually appears in more than 100 concerts and has toured and given master classes internationally.

Bailey and DeMio will perform The Winter Classics Concert Cello Extravaganza featuring cello concertos of Haydn, St. Sans and Prokofiev in the historic Fort Sherman Chapel, 322 Hubbard St. in Coeur d'Alene.

Tickets are $35 or $18 for students. Coeur d'Alene Cellars wine will be available for purchase to enjoy with the concert. Tickets are available at all TicketsWest outlets, online at www.ticketswest.com (keyword: December Tour) or by calling (800) 325-SEAT.

Artist info: www.elizabethdemio.com or www.zuillbailey.com