Noteworthy

With a career spanning nearly four decades, GRAMMY® Award–winning violinist Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated artists of his time. He has appeared with virtually every major orchestra in the world, serves as Music Director of London’s Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and continues to expand his artistry as both a performer and a conductor. 

This season, he joins the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as a Spotlight Artist, giving the Canadian Première of Thomas de Hartmann’s Violin Concerto, alongside a host of international engagements and collaborations. Ahead of his highly anticipated return, he shared his thoughts on music, travel, and the moments that have shaped his artistry.

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I believe music reflects so many things—nature, the universe, spirituality—and perhaps most importantly, it connects you to your own humanity. So one’s personal philosophy is very important. In music making, honesty and sincerity are what we should all strive for. Looking for honest connection and personal truth inside the music is something I aspire to.

Balance is the keyword, and it’s something I struggle with every day. Between family life, practice, performances, time with friends, and time outside of music, it’s always a challenge. But everything you experience in life affects your work—that’s why I try to seek as many experiences as I can. To take risks, to engage with people and places, and to pour all of that back into the music. That’s why I believe your work deepens as you get older.

Music is a great connector, and that is what we need today more than ever. We live in such a divided world—politically and otherwise—but music is something we can all listen to side by side. It speaks to our common truths and our shared humanity.

Live every day as if it’s your last. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s something I truly believe.

Carnegie Hall has been one of the most inspiring places in my life. When I first played there at 17, I felt the weight of its history and vowed that I would return. I have, many times since. These days, inspiration also comes from my home in the country. Surrounded by forest and animals, it’s where I reconnect with nature between concerts.

There are still works I dream of performing. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is my Holy Grail. I’ve conducted the other eight, but not yet the Ninth. Hopefully, that day will come.

I’m a morning person and a night owl—so essentially, I don’t sleep enough. I’ll admit that, after a performance, once I take a deep sigh of relief, one of my favourite rituals is a nice ice-cold beer. In Germany, it’s tradition for the backstage crew to hand the artist a beer as they come off stage. I wish it were like that everywhere.

My biggest artistic influence during my early years was Josef Gingold, my professor and mentor. He connected me to the old world of violinists like Ysaÿe, Kreisler, and Heifetz. Today, my chamber music partners, especially Steven Isserlis, remain my greatest influences.

The causes that matter most to me are those that connect young people with music. I believe every child should have music in their lives, and I support any program that helps make that possible.

If I could play another instrument, it would be the piano. I wish I had studied it seriously when I was younger—I admire musicians who can sit down and read a score at the keyboard.

What I love most about being a musician is that you are always a student. Every day is about learning, exploring, and puzzling things out. It keeps you young, it keeps you interested, and it keeps you alive.

When I travel, I’m often studying—usually a symphony I need to conduct, score in hand. I’ll also listen to podcasts, mostly about sports. I’m sad to say I’m not a huge hockey fan, but I follow the Blue Jays, and they seem to be doing pretty well this year. 

See Joshua Bell with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra:

Joshua Bell Returns
Nov 13 & 15, 2025
Roy Thomson Hall

Joshua Bell Plays Bruch + Beethoven
Mar 26, 28 & 29, 2026
Roy Thomson Hall

Discover where music and life intersect in Intermezzo as we bring you closer to the artists who shape the TSO experience. Keep an eye out for more of these insightful conversations.