Masterworks IV Featuring Cellist Zuill Bailey

Widely considered as one of the world’s premier cellists, Zuill Bailey is a Grammy Award-winning, internationally renowned soloist, recitalist, artistic director, and teacher. His rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry, and engaging personality has secured his place as one of the most sought after and active cellists today.

A consummate concerto soloist, Bailey has performed with symphony orchestras worldwide, but none will remain as special as the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO). He and Maestra Sebrina Alfonso first met when Bailey was a teenager, and they have built an artistic friendship that continues to grow stronger.

Bailey will return to the SFSO on March 22, 2023, for Masterworks IV at The Parker, and OutClique caught up with him ahead of his upcoming appearance.

Denny Patterson: Thank you for taking some time to chat with me, Zuill! How excited are you to come back and play with the SFSO again?

Zuill Bailey: I couldn't be more thrilled to return to share music with an organization and conductor with whom I have such a deep history. This truly is a situation that holds to the saying, ‘Be careful what you wish for, for you might just get it.’ In 1998 the wonderful Sebrina Alfonzo dreamed of bringing the beauty of classical music to her home community. Twenty-five years later, that community and the surrounding region now celebrate a visionary organization that has helped sculpt the cultural landscape and inspire so many.

Denny Patterson: Yes, you have known Maestra Sebrina since you were a teenager. What kind of impact has she made on your career?

Zuill Bailey: I have found that my most cherished memories are making music with great friends. I met Sebrina Alfonso as a teenager in the 1980s, and since day one, I've been inspired by her vision. Most importantly, her kindness and friendship.

Denny Patterson: What do you enjoy the most about artistically collaborating with her?

Zuill Bailey: Sebrina and I have a deep history that is based on trust. With this trust, we can walk onstage together with the freedom to have limitless inspiration.

Denny Patterson: And you also performed in the very first Key West Symphony concert. What do you remember the most about that?

Zuill Bailey: The very first Key West Symphony concert was an incredible groundswell of positivity. I will never forget standing onstage with Sebrina as the packed Tennessee Williams Theatre rose to its feet to honor her leadership.

Denny Patterson: Can you tell us more about the piece you are performing for Masterworks IV?

Zuill Bailey: The Dvořák Cello Concerto is arguably the most celebrated of all cello concertos. It is the perfect storm of a great symphony and featured cello. Dvořák was at the height of his powers as a composer and used the cello brilliantly to share a remarkable sonic journey of life. The cello, with the same range as the human voice, is the perfect vehicle to musically tell the story so many composers dream of telling.

Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from this concert?

Zuill Bailey: The audience will witness a celebration on all accounts. These concerts are a celebration of friendship, life, and dreams realized, through a musical masterpiece.

Denny Patterson: Have you always had a passion for music?

Zuill Bailey: I was very lucky to have grown up in a musical family. It has simply always been a part of my life. I can't imagine a world without the arts.

Denny Patterson: How did your journey with the cello begin, and what drew you to that particular instrument?

Zuill Bailey: I began the cello at age four and realized very soon I couldn't live without it. My parents had to actually ask me to stop playing each day. Around age 12, I was given the advice: ‘If you can find what you love to do, and make that what you do - you will never work a day in your life.’ So far, that has held true for me!

Denny Patterson: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

Zuill Bailey: Inspired by Sebrina, I continue to try to bring communities together through the arts. Music does change people's lives and makes for a greater future. The grass is greener where you water it. That starts at home in one's own community.

Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

Zuill Bailey:These days I'm in the midst of commissioning young composers to write more for the cello. There is no greater ‘sound investment.’