The first public concert featuring Xiang Gao, assistant professor of music, and the rare G.B. Ceruti violin purchased by UD last year, is a sell out, according to Sharon Dorr, director of alumni and University relations.

At the concert, scheduled at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Gao will perform works written throughout the life of the rare concert violin. Featured also will be the premiere of “The Butterfly Lovers Concerto” multimedia production. Pianist Julie Nishimura will accompany Gao, and guest artists include actors Danny Peak, Stephanie Shade and others.

“It is indeed a special treat that the audience for this first public performance will include so many students, faculty and staff members and special friends, notably major donors in the Delaware Diamonds Society,” UD President David P. Roselle said.

On the chance that some few tickets may become available, interested persons may contact the Office of Alumni and University Relations at 831-2341 to be put on a waiting list. More than 100 persons currently are on the list.

A member of the UD faculty since 2001, Gao is an internationally recognized soloist. He balances his teaching and recruiting responsibilities with a demanding concert schedule, performing throughout the U.S., South America and Europe and in his native Asia.

The Ceruti violin, believed to have been made between 1787 and 1810, was purchased last year by the University from Chicago’s Bein & Fushi Inc., one of the world’s premier violin dealers and restorers.