Bee-hind the Scenes

Who do you call when you need to learn how to play the violin -- and fast? This past semester actor Richard Gere called on Jassen Todorov, SFSU professor of music. The master violinist, known for such daring feats as performing all 10 Beethoven sonatas in just three evenings (accomplished on campus this spring with pianist William Corbett-Jones), came highly recommended by SFSU's Alexander String Quartet.

What was the hurry? Gere's role as Saul Naumann in the forthcoming "Bee Season," a film based on the novel by Myla Goldberg, required him to play Bach's Chaconne for solo violin -- or at least look like he's playing it, which is more likely to be the case. Todorov says he and Gere worked very intensely with private lessons up to three times a week from January to April. (The only interruptions were Gere's trips to the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.) Still, the Bach piece is not easy for a novice. "[Gere] played very well but I don't think they will use his sound in the movie," the professor says. "Bee Season" hits theaters next spring.

As for star performances at SFSU, look for Todorov to play all 20 sonatas by Mozart in a four- evening concert series this fall.

For more information: www.jassentodorov.com

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Last modified August 12, 2004, by the Office of Public Affairs and Publications