Cello Day

Israeli cellist's visit inspires a day of musicianship and mentorship with Southern Oregon students

Anima Mundi Productions is known for bringing world-class artists to the concert stage and using their visits to the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon as a launch point for partnering with organizations and schools to offer free community events.

In February 2025, we brought internationally acclaimed Israeli cellist to perform on Anima Mundi's Heart of Humanity Concert Series as part of a season of artists from conflict zones.

In addition to Peled's sold out and moving concert celebrating Jewish musical traditions, his visit inspired "Cello Day," an event that brought Peled together with over thirty high school and middle school cellists and five bass players. Students came from Grants Pass High School, North and South Medford, and Ashland High School.

Cello Day!

Cello Day started with Amit Peled rehearsing a Bach Sarabande arranged by Laszlo Vargo, an ensemble piece in four parts. Next, Peled performed for the students, told them about himself, answered questions, and ate lunch with them. The students learned that instruments—Peled plays a 1780s Storioni cello—as well as people come with a story!

The afternoon included a master class during which individual students performed in front of the group and received insightful instruction that all could learn from. A final high-energy rehearsal and performance of the Sarabande provided satisfying closure to a memorable and inspiring day.

“Part of the mission of Anima Mundi Productions is to bring the best concert musicians in the country to Southern Oregon, and to make their work — not only their artistic work, but also their personal stories and their very humanity — approachable to those in our community who otherwise might not have access to these exceptional artists. We’re deeply touched that Amit Peled has approached our Cello Day event with such generosity, humility, and grace.”
—Ethan Gans-Morse, Executive Director, Anima Mundi Productions